Autism resources in
Doña Ana County.

Free CDC milestone checklists and a Milestone Tracker app help you follow your child's development from 2 months to 5 years, so you know what to watch for and when to act. A gentle first step when you're unsure whether to seek an evaluation.

New Mexico's statewide early intervention program provides free evaluations and in-home developmental services for babies and toddlers, birth to age 3, who may have a delay or disability. Services are always free regardless of income or citizenship, and anyone can make a referral without a diagnosis.

The state's Health Care Authority connects New Mexico families to autism diagnostic evaluations, family supports, and community resources through its partner centers at UNM and NMSU. This is a helpful starting point for understanding waivers and where to get an evaluation.

Located at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, this is southern New Mexico's dedicated center for the medical diagnosis of autism, with an interdisciplinary team serving families across all age ranges. They offer diagnostic evaluations, parent training, and support groups.

Part of the University of New Mexico Center for Development & Disability, this clinic provides autism diagnostic evaluations, assessment, and case management for children age 3 and older and their families. The multidisciplinary team bills Medicaid and private insurance.

A long-running local program supporting Doña Ana County families with children from birth to age three, offering developmental screenings, therapy, and family support close to home. They can guide you through evaluations and the path toward a diagnosis.

Based in Las Cruces and serving Doña Ana County for over a decade, MECA offers developmental screenings, early intervention for infants and toddlers, and autism diagnosis alongside speech, occupational, and physical therapy. They welcome families regardless of insurance or immigration status.

Every state has a federally funded Parent Training & Information Center offering free help with IEPs, special-education rights, and early intervention. This hub's directory locates the center that serves your state.

A national nonprofit protecting the rights of students with disabilities. Use their member directory to find a special-education attorney or trained advocate near you when you need help with an IEP or a dispute with a school.

Every state has a federally mandated Protection & Advocacy agency that offers free legal help when a school isn't following your child's IEP or evaluating them as required. This directory connects you to the office serving your area.

Disability Rights New Mexico is the state's federally designated protection and advocacy agency, offering free legal help and advocacy when a child's special education rights are on the line. They hold special education clinics across the state and can guide you through disputes, evaluations, and IEP concerns.

EPICS is a Community Parent Resource Center supporting New Mexico families raising Native American children with disabilities, helping you understand your rights under IDEA. They offer culturally grounded guidance, including materials in Navajo, on evaluations, IEPs, and resolving disagreements with schools.

The state education department's Parent Portal explains your child's special education rights in plain language, with procedural safeguards available in English, Spanish, Navajo, and other languages. It also connects you directly to the Office of Special Education if you have questions or concerns.

Parents Reaching Out is New Mexico's official Parent Training and Information Center, offering free support, training, and one-on-one help from family liaisons who know special education law. They can walk you through evaluations, IEP meetings, and your rights every step of the way.

EPICS is a parent resource center that trains and supports families of Native American children with disabilities on their IEP and early intervention rights, from birth through age 26. If your family is Native American, they offer warm, culturally rooted guidance and advocacy.

Your local school district's special education office handles evaluations, IEPs, and Child Find right here in Dona Ana County. Reaching out to them is often the most direct way to get services started for your child.

This free, confidential state office helps New Mexico parents understand the special education process and will even sit with you in your child's IEP meeting. If you feel stuck with your school, they are a calm, neutral place to start.

You matter too. Psychology Today's therapist finder filters for 'caregiver stress' and 'autism family,' and Open Path Collective offers reduced-cost therapy sessions nationwide. You cannot support your child well without also supporting yourself.

Run by UNM's Center for Development & Disability, this verified online directory lets you search for ABA, speech, occupational, and physical therapy providers across New Mexico. Every listing is reviewed before it's published, so you can trust what you find.

The University of New Mexico's Center for Development & Disability offers autism diagnostic evaluations, parent training, and in-home coaching for families statewide, delivered by a team of psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. If you're wondering whether your child has autism or what to do after a diagnosis, this is a warm, expert place to start.

This free statewide help line connects New Mexico families to local therapy providers, early-intervention agencies, and disability services, with specialists who take the time to point you toward the right support. It's a friendly first call when you're not sure where to turn.

A bilingual Las Cruces organization providing free early intervention for children birth to age 3, plus speech, occupational, and physical therapy and ABA autism services for older children and teens. Services are offered in English and Spanish.

This New Mexico State University clinic in Las Cruces has served the community for over 60 years, offering evaluations and therapy for speech, language, cognition, voice, and feeding for all ages. It is a fee-for-service clinic with in-person and telehealth options.

A Las Cruces center offering child-led, evidence-based ABA therapy along with speech, occupational, and social skills support. They also help families navigate the autism diagnosis and intake process.

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save money tax-free without losing Medicaid or SSI eligibility. This center compares every state's ABLE program so you can pick the best one for your family.

As New Mexico's federally designated protection and advocacy program, DRNM offers free legal help and advocacy when your child faces denied services, discrimination, or rights violations. You can start an intake by phone to have your situation reviewed at no cost.

This state Medicaid waiver funds services like respite, case management, and living supports for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Because there can be a long waitlist, it helps to register your child with the Central Registry as early as possible.

A tax-advantaged savings and investment account that lets New Mexicans with a qualifying disability save for everyday needs without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The program is offered through the New Mexico State Treasurer's Office.

New Mexico's statewide Parent Training and Information Center, run by parents who have raised children with disabilities. Their family specialists offer free help navigating benefits, healthcare, and school services, plus no-cost workshops and support.

Supplemental Security Income provides monthly cash benefits to children with disabilities in families with limited income and resources. You can apply online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office in cities like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces.

The ADRC is a free statewide helpline where a real person can walk you through Medicaid waivers, benefits counseling, and home and community-based services, including respite options. It is a good first call when you are not sure which program fits your family or how to get on a waiting list.

New Mexico Legal Aid offers free civil legal help to low-income families, including benefits denials, housing, and guardianship questions that often come up when raising a child with a disability. Their Las Cruces office serves Doña Ana County, and you can reach the statewide intake line to see if you qualify.

Run by the New Mexico State Treasurer's Office, NM STABLE lets your family save and invest for disability-related expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other needs-based benefits. Earnings grow tax-free when used for qualified costs like housing, therapy, education, and transportation, and there is no cost to open an account online at ablenewmexico.com.

The nation's oldest grassroots autism organization. Their National Helpline connects families to information and referrals, and their affiliate finder points you to a local chapter in your area for in-person support and events.

The largest national community-based organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Local chapters offer advocacy, family support, and lifelong services. Use the chapter finder to locate the office nearest you.

Dial 2-1-1 (or visit 211.org) to reach a free, confidential referral line for local health and human services in almost every US community — including disability services, respite, food, housing, and financial assistance.

A long-running nonprofit in Sandoval and Bernalillo counties offering respite care that gives parents and caregivers a much-needed break, along with early childhood support for little ones. Trained staff care for your child so you can rest.

A statewide community that hosts monthly gatherings, family activities, and support groups for autistic children and adults across New Mexico, plus offers mini-grants and scholarships. It's a welcoming place to connect with other families who understand.

Year-round sports, play, and community for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including a Young Athletes program for kids ages 2 to 7 and their families. It's a joyful way to build friendships and belonging.

A Las Cruces nonprofit serving families affected by autism across southern New Mexico with community trainings, a resource library, and Camp New Amigos, an inclusive camp where kids build friendships and confidence. A welcoming local community built by and for autism families.

Part of Aprendamos Family of Services in Las Cruces, this center supports children and young adults ages 2 to 21 across Doña Ana, Otero, and Sierra counties and offers parent and family trainings open to the community. A bilingual, family-centered team rooted right here in southern New Mexico.

Serving Doña Ana County families since 1978, Tresco offers respite for parents and caregivers plus recreation, community participation, and daily-living support for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Their Family Outreach Center helps connect you to the services you need.

New Mexico's Health Care Authority division that runs adult day services, community inclusion, employment support, and the Medicaid Developmental Disabilities Waiver for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is where long-term adult supports and waiver services are coordinated.

The state agency that helps New Mexicans with disabilities find and keep jobs, with counseling, job training, and Pre-Employment Transition Services for students moving into adult life. If your young adult is thinking about work, this is a good first call.

A free, statewide help line for New Mexicans navigating long-term care, caregiver support, and disability services as loved ones age. Call to talk through options with someone who can point you in the right direction, no cost to you.

A publicly funded program that helps income-eligible New Mexico adults who need a guardian, and educates families about less-restrictive alternatives before guardianship. They can connect you with attorneys and professional guardians when family isn't available.

The state's federally funded disability center offers a plain-language guide to adult autism life: employment, transition planning, guardianship, self-advocacy, Medicaid and DD Waiver, and family support. A warm starting point when you're trying to map out what comes after school.

This state agency helps adults and transition-age youth with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job through counseling, job training, and placement support. There is a local Las Cruces office serving Dona Ana County families.

This statewide program helps families navigate guardianship and its alternatives, and can petition the court for a guardian or provide a professional guardian for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have no family available. It also educates families about supported decision-making so you can choose the least restrictive option.

A partnership of UNM, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the state disability division that supports school-to-work transition, including Project SEARCH internships for 18 to 22 year olds and regional transition teams. It is a helpful resource as your young adult moves from school into employment.