Sandoval County, New Mexico

Autism resources in
Sandoval County.

Local providers and support groups, plus New Mexico statewide and nationwide programs — all in one place.

🌱 Diagnosis & Early Intervention

Getting an evaluation and accessing early services.

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.
MilestonesFree appAges 0–5
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.cdc.gov
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.
early interventionbirth to 3freestatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.nmececd.org
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.
state agencyautism servicesdiagnosis referralswaivers
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.hca.nm.gov
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.
autism diagnosisevaluationsouthern NMall ages
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: cd.nmsu.edu
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.
autism diagnosisevaluationages 3+university clinic
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: hsc.unm.edu
For little ones from birth to age three, this UNM program evaluates developmental delays, autism, and complex medical or behavioral concerns. Their team travels across New Mexico, so they can reach families where they are.
ages 0-3developmental evaluationearly interventionuniversity clinic
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: hsc.unm.edu

⚖️ School & IEP Rights

IEPs, 504 plans, special education, and school advocacy.

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.
IEPFreeFind your center
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: www.parentcenterhub.org
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.
Special ed lawFind an advocateIEP rights
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.copaa.org
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.
Free legal helpDisability rightsBy state
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.ndrn.org
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.
disability rightslegal advocacyIEPstatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: drnm.org
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.
Native American familiesIEP rightsIDEAparent support
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.epicsnm.org
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.
state agencyprocedural safeguardsIEPdispute resolution
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: web.ped.nm.gov
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.
IEP helpparent trainingspecial educationstatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: parentsreachingout.org
This Sandoval County district in the town of Bernalillo serves families across the eastern county and nearby Pueblo communities with special education, evaluations, and IEP support. Call the district office to be connected with the Special Education and Health Services team about your child's needs.
Sandoval CountyIEPspecial educationpublic schools
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.bernalillo-schools.org
The public school district serving most of Rio Rancho and Sandoval County provides special education, Child Find evaluations, and IEP services for eligible students. Their Special Services team is your first stop if your child attends an RRPS school and you have questions about evaluations or an IEP.
Sandoval CountyIEPChild Findpublic schools
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.rrps.net

🧩 Therapy & Treatment

ABA, speech, OT, and finding the right providers.

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.
CaregiversMental healthAffordable
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: www.psychologytoday.com
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.
provider directoryABAtherapy searchstatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.nmfinder.org
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.
autism evaluationparent trainingstatewideuniversity clinic
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: hsc.unm.edu
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.
referralshelp linestatewidefree
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: hsc.unm.edu
A local Rio Rancho clinic offering occupational, speech, and physical therapy for children with autism and sensory needs, with play-based, one-on-one sessions. Conveniently based right in Sandoval County on Unser Blvd.
Occupational therapySpeech therapyRio RanchoSensory
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: rioranchotherapy.com
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.
diagnosisevaluationsstatewidefamily support
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: hsc.unm.edu

💰 Financial Assistance & Benefits

Medicaid waivers, SSI, ABLE accounts, and legal aid.

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.
SavingsTax benefitAll states
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: www.ablenrc.org
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.
legal aidadvocacyfree
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: drnm.org
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.
Medicaid waiverrespite fundingstatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.hca.nm.gov
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.
ABLE accountsavingsbenefits protection
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: ablenewmexico.com
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.
family supportfreestatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: parentsreachingout.org
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.
SSIcash benefitsfederal
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.ssa.gov
New Mexico Legal Aid offers free civil legal help to lower-income families, including problems with public benefits, Medicaid, and economic security. Their Albuquerque office serves Bernalillo County, and you can start with a phone or online intake.
legal aidfreebenefits help
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.newmexicolegalaid.org

🤗 Support Groups & Community

Find your people — in person and online.

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.
AutismHelplineLocal chapters
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: autismsociety.org
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.
IDDAdvocacyLocal chapters
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: thearc.org
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.
FreeReferrals24/7
Verified 2026-06-24 · source: www.211.org
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.
respite carefamily supportearly childhoodSandoval & Bernalillo
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: abrazosnm.org
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.
support groupscommunity eventsstatewidefamily activities
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: nmautismsociety.org
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.
recreationsportsyoung athletesstatewide
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: sonm.org
A Rio Rancho organization offering inclusive recreation, community-building support groups, and speech services for children and adults on the spectrum. A friendly local option for families looking to connect and find belonging close to home.
Rio Ranchosupport groupsrecreationautism
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: connectwithautism.com
An all-volunteer Rio Rancho nonprofit that brings autistic individuals and their families together through fun, inclusive local events, sensory-friendly outings, and community support right here in Sandoval County. It is a warm, welcoming place to connect with other families who get it.
Rio Ranchocommunity eventsautismfamily support
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: elevatethespectrum.org

🚀 Adult Transition & Long-Term Planning

Aging out of school, adult services, and long-term planning.

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.
adult day servicesDD waiveremployment
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.hca.nm.gov
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.
vocational rehabemploymenttransition
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.dvr.state.nm.us
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.
long-term careresource centercaregiver support
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.aging.nm.gov
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.
guardianshiplegallong-term planning
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: www.nmddpc.com
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.
autismadult transitionuniversity program
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: cdd.health.unm.edu
A long-established New Mexico nonprofit offering adult day programs and supported employment for people with developmental disabilities, helping adults find community jobs and take part in meaningful daily activities. They serve the greater Albuquerque metro area near Sandoval County.
adult day servicessupported employmentcommunity inclusion
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: sharenm.org
ARCA, an Albuquerque-based nonprofit serving New Mexico families, administers pooled special needs trusts that let your loved one save money above the $2,000 asset limit without losing SSI, Medicaid, or DD Waiver eligibility. Both self-funded and family-funded trust options are available.
special needs trustfinancial planningbenefits protection
Verified 2026-07-04 · source: arcaopeningdoors.org
A note on these listings. This directory is informational and not an endorsement. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility change — always confirm details directly with the provider before relying on them. Nothing here is medical or legal advice. Spot something out of date? Suggest or report a resource →

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