Ages & Stages: Age Three to Middle School – Intelectual & Developmental Disabilities

A young person looks over their shoulder at the camera while sitting at table with other children.

As your child grows from age three into middle school, focus on education, long-term planning, and building the foundation for their future independence:

Education & Childcare

  1. Enroll your child in high-quality early learning settings. Choose educational environments designed to meet your child’s developmental needs.
  2. Apply for childcare subsidies if needed. Apply through Workforce Solutions Alamo (your local Texas Workforce Commission provider). Children with a diagnosis have first priority in funding.
  3. Become familiar with special education services. Not all children will qualify for special education services. If they do qualify, understand what supports are available through your school district.

⏰ CRITICAL MILESTONE: Under Texas law, transition planning for adulthood must be in place by age 14 (or younger, if recommended).

Long-Term Planning & Waitlists

  • Place your child on Medicaid Waiver waitlists immediately. If you haven’t already, do this now. Waitlists often take years—some families wait 10+ years. Eligibility is determined later, and most waivers are based on the child’s income, not the adults’. Explore the Waiver checklist on this site, too.
  • Start planning for future housing needs. Consider options ranging from independent living to small group homes to larger settings. Being on waiver lists is critical as it often takes years for your loved one’s name to reach the top.

Legal & Financial Planning

  • Establish legal documents for your child’s adult years. Don’t delay creating plans for adulthood, including any guardianship needs and estate planning considerations.

Throughout Your Journey

Self-care is critically important. Find ways to create meaningful relief from daily responsibilities. Your support network can include nonprofits, friends, family, and local, state, and federal resources.

Support groups and families on similar paths offer shared wisdom. Case managers and social workers can help with many aspects of your family’s wellbeing, including safety net needs like food, housing, and utilities.

Many families connect with resources at SACRD.org/idd or Morgan’s Multi-Assistance Center and their team of Navigators.

Continue to vision and dream for your child’s life, focused on their abilities. You are your child’s most important advocate. Trust your instincts.

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