Original release date: Oct. 20, 2026.
EDINBURG, Texas — UTRGV’s BeChilDLab is expanding its caregiver-skills training program for families of children who may have developmental differences, including autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities.
The university is using a $650,088 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Autism Grant Program to expand the World Health Organization’s Caregiver Skills Training model. The program is free and does not require a diagnosis to participate.
UTRGV expects to reach about 400 families through March 2028. The Edinburg-based program is the first site in the United States to offer the training in Spanish, according to the university.
The training is designed for caregivers of children ages 2 through 9 when families have concerns about development, communication, behavior or daily living skills. The program also trains promotoras, or community health workers, to help families access support and share information in their communities.
University leaders said the approach focuses on practical strategies families can use at home and on making evidence-based support more accessible across the Rio Grande Valley. More information is available through UTRGV Newsroom.
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