A new effort called ECI Project Ninos is helping South Texas families. It steps in early when a toddler shows signs of autism. The program comes from Early Childhood Intervention, known as ECI. ECI is a state program for babies and toddlers with delays.

This matters for South Texas families. Early help can change a child's whole future. A child's brain learns new skills fastest in the first three years. Getting a diagnosis and care can be hard to find here. Project Ninos is working to bring that help closer to home in Laredo and nearby areas.

Project Ninos looks for early signs of autism. Doctors call it autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. Signs can include not talking much for their age. Other signs are not making eye contact. Some kids do not play with other kids. Some kids do the same motion over and over, like flapping their hands. Parents who see these signs should get their child checked right away. Waiting can cost a child months of progress.

The program starts with a free check-up, called an evaluation. A team looks at the child. They decide if the child qualifies for ECI. If the child qualifies, the family and the team build a plan just for that child. The plan can include speech therapy. This helps kids talk and understand words better. It can also include help with behavior. It can help kids learn to play with others. Parents get coached too. That way they can help their child every day.

Project Ninos also gives each family a case manager. This person helps the family talk to doctors and therapists. They also talk to schools. That way nothing gets missed. Visits happen where the child feels safe. Therapists come to the home or daycare. Families do not have to drive to an office for every visit.

ECI also offers other help for young kids with delays. One kind of therapy helps kids with small tasks. It teaches things like holding a spoon or a crayon. Another kind helps kids sit up, crawl, and walk. A program called Pathways focuses on autism. It trains parents to connect with their child and talk with them more at home.

The program works in English and Spanish. Staff can help families in whichever language feels most comfortable. Many parents in this region speak Spanish at home. That choice helps more families trust the program. It also helps them keep coming back.

South Texas has long needed more autism help close to home. Smaller towns often have fewer specialists nearby. Money worries can also make families hesitate to seek care. ECI is paid for by the state. It follows a federal law for special education. Check-ups cost families nothing. Case managers cost nothing. Help from interpreters costs nothing too. Some other services use a sliding scale based on family income. No child gets turned away just because a family cannot pay.

Any parent, doctor, or caregiver can start with a call. A family's own doctor can help guide the first step too. In Laredo, families can reach Project Ninos at (956) 728-1769. The office is at 5709 Springfield Avenue. After that first call, a service coordinator will contact the family. They set up the first visit together.

ECI only helps kids up to age 3. Before