Autism resources in
McKinley 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 local early intervention program in Gallup that serves McKinley County children up to age three with developmental delays, usually working with your child right in your home or natural setting. Services are free for families who qualify.

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.

This is your local school district's special education department, where your child's IEP is written and their evaluations and support services are arranged. Start here to request an evaluation, join an IEP meeting, or ask questions about your child's plan.

A nonprofit legal advocacy center that helps Native American children with disabilities across New Mexico, including families near Santa Fe and the pueblos, enforce their special education and civil rights at no cost. They offer advice, self-advocacy support, and limited legal representation.

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.

This is the local hospital-based therapy center right in Gallup, offering occupational, physical, and speech therapy for children through adults, including support for autism spectrum disorders and developmental delays. It is one of the closest in-person therapy options for McKinley County families.

The state's federally funded center for developmental disabilities, offering autism diagnostic evaluations, family supports, in-home training, and provider referrals for New Mexico families. Their Autism Spectrum Evaluation Clinic serves children age 3 and up alongside a full team of specialists.

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 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 longtime Gallup nonprofit that offers respite care to give families of children with developmental disabilities a short break, plus early intervention services for babies and toddlers. They are based right here in McKinley County and know the Gallup community well.

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.

A long-established nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities across McKinley County and the Navajo Nation since 1972, offering day habilitation, supported employment, and community living. A good local option as your adult child moves beyond school-based services.

A publicly funded statewide program that helps income-eligible New Mexico families arrange guardianship or supported decision-making for an adult who needs help making decisions. They can petition the court and provide a professional guardian when no family member can serve.