What TEA’s New Autism Supplement Guidance Means for Texas Evaluators
- meghantibo
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
If you’ve ever wondered exactly what should go into an Autism Supplement or how to make it truly individualized, you’re not alone. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently released updated Autism Supplement Guidance, and it offers some of the clearest direction we’ve seen yet on what “good” looks like.
What the TEA Autism Supplement Guidance Emphasizes
TEA reminds ARD committees that all 11 strategies in the Autism Supplement must be considered for every student identified with autism and that data should support each decision. Gone are the days of simply checking “not needed.” The new guidance stresses documentation, rationale, and use of evidence-based practices.
A Shift Toward Meaningful Individualization
Each section should reflect the student’s actual profile:
What data supports the decision?
If a strategy is needed, how will it be implemented and monitored?
If not needed, what data supports that conclusion?
This is a shift from compliance to intentional, student-centered planning, something our team at The Tallest Trees emphasizes in every evaluation and IEP we support.
Why It Matters
Autism isn’t a one-size-fits-all eligibility. What’s essential for one student may not make sense for another. That’s exactly what TEA’s new Autism Supplement Guidance drives home. Every decision should be backed by real student data, not just a checkbox.
Take communication supports, for example. A compliant statement might say:
“Communication goals and objectives in receptive and expressive language are needed and addressed in the student’s IEP. Interventions include a picture exchange system, choice boards, and discrete trial training for labeling and naming.”
That kind of language shows what the student needs and how the team is addressing it.
A noncompliant version, on the other hand, might just say, “See speech IEP” or “Student receives speech services.” It doesn’t explain why or how those supports matter for the student.
The same goes for when a strategy isn’t needed. A clear, compliant statement like
“Student can effectively communicate wants and needs with staff and peers and holds age-appropriate conversations.”
paints a much better picture than “Not applicable” or “Student doesn’t receive speech therapy.”
The difference? Details. Specific language shows the team’s decisions are data-driven and helps protect both the ARD committee and the student’s plan.
📄Download the Resource
The TEA guidance document doesn’t just explain what compliant Autism Supplements look like, it also includes linked resources and examples to help teams strengthen their documentation and align supports with evidence-based practices. It’s a great reference to keep bookmarked during evaluations and ARD meetings.
At The Tallest Trees, we help districts put this guidance into action—through high-quality evaluations, staff training, and consultation that make Autism Supplements both compliant and meaningful.
🌲Let’s make Autism Supplements meaningful, not just compliant.
Our team can help your district create individualized, data-driven plans aligned with TEA’s latest guidance.
👉 Contact The Tallest Trees to learn more about our assessment and consultation services for Texas districts.
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