Grants to Support the Financial Investment of Private Pay Speech, Feeding, and Occupational Therapy
At Rooted & Rising Therapies, we know one thing is universally true:
Every parent loves their child and wants what is best for them.
And we also know another truth that often goes unspoken — sometimes finances become a real barrier to accessing the providers, approaches, and level of care that align most closely with a family’s values and their child’s needs.
If you’ve ever felt torn between wanting expert, affirming care and worrying about the cost, you are not alone. We want to openly acknowledge that tension and help you understand what goes into private pay therapy — and what resources exist to help make it more accessible.
Why Private Pay Therapy Is an Investment
Private pay speech, feeding, and occupational therapy often looks different than insurance-based services — and intentionally so.
At Rooted & Rising, private pay allows us to:
Spend more time with each child
Provide specialized services (gestalt language processing, AAC, social communication, executive functioning, sensory processing, neuro-affirming activities of daily living, and pathological demand avoidance)
Individualize therapy without restrictive insurance limitations
Practice in ways that are neurodiversity-affirming, relationship-based, and child-led
Collaborate deeply with families rather than rushing sessions or focusing on productivity metrics
This model prioritizes quality, ethics, and alignment over volume.
Our Commitment to Exceptional, Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
We believe children deserve care that evolves alongside research, lived experience, and best practice — not outdated or compliance-based models.
That’s why Rooted & Rising invests in monthly continuing education for our therapists, not just the minimum required to maintain licensure. Our clinicians receive ongoing training in:
Neurodiversity-affirming practices
Responsive, relationship-based feeding therapy
Trauma-informed care
Strengths-based language development
AAC and total communication approaches
Ethical therapy for autistic and neurodivergent children
This level of professional development far surpasses industry “gold standards.” It ensures our therapists are not only highly skilled, but also deeply reflective, current, and grounded in approaches that respect children as whole humans.
That investment — in education, mentorship, and ethical practice — is part of what families are paying for.
Reducing Barriers: Grants and Financial Support
Even knowing the value, cost can still feel overwhelming — and we never want finances to be the reason a child misses out on supportive care.
To help offset costs and reduce barriers, we strongly encourage families to explore grants and funding programs that can be applied directly toward therapy services.
Below is a curated list of Texas-based and national grants that families often use for speech therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, AAC, and autism-related services.
Texas-Based Grants & Programs
Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) – Texas
May assist with therapy services and medical-related costs.
🔗 https://www.dshs.texas.gov/cshcn
Texas Workforce Commission – Vocational Rehabilitation (AAC & older children/teens)
Can help fund communication supports and therapy for eligible individuals.
🔗 https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation-services
National Grants for Speech, Feeding, and Occupational Therapy
United Healthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF)
Helps cover therapy services not fully paid by insurance.
https://www.uhccf.org
Grants are typically up to $5,000 per year (with a lifetime maximum).
Small Steps in Speech
Grants specifically for speech therapy and communication needs.
https://smallstepsinspeech.org
The Orange Effect Foundation
Supports speech therapy and communication technology.
https://theorangeeffect.org
ACT Today! Autism Grants
Funding for speech, OT, feeding therapy, and related services for autistic children.
https://act-today.org
Autism Care Today
Provides grants for therapy services and autism-related supports.
https://www.autismcaretoday.org
Special Angels Foundation
Grants for children with special needs, including therapy services.
https://www.specialangelsfoundation.org
SCN8A Alliance / KNOW Autism Foundation
Offers tuition & therapy assistance grants (speech, occupational therapy, behavioral/social skills programs) $1,000–$5,000 for children with autism spectrum disorder.
The Autism Foundation’s Autism Grants page also lists similar therapy support funds.
AAC Funding for Autistic Children in Texas
STAP – Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (Texas)
Provides funding for AAC devices and communication technology for individuals with disabilities.
https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/specialized-telecommunications-assistance-program
This is an excellent resource for families seeking AAC support outside of insurance funding for children 5 years old and older.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Seeking private pay therapy is a deeply personal decision — and there is no “right” or “wrong” choice. What matters most is that families feel informed, supported, and respected.
At Rooted & Rising Therapies, we are always happy to:
Help families identify grant options
Provide documentation needed for applications
Talk openly about priorities and pacing of services
Explore ways to make therapy more sustainable
Your child deserves thoughtful, affirming care — and you deserve transparency, compassion, and support along the way.
If you have questions about funding, grants, or how to get started, fill out our inquiry form. We’re here to walk this path with you.