This page gathers autism and disability resources for families in Santa Fe County, New Mexico. You'll find 11 local resources listed here, alongside New Mexico statewide programs and nationwide services, all verified and in one place. For children under three, New Mexico's starting point is the Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program; for school-age children, special education and IEPs run through your local school district. Confirm details directly with each provider.
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.
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.
The pediatric practice at Santa Fe's regional hospital has served northern New Mexico families for decades and includes developmental-behavioral pediatric care, autism support, and comprehensive evaluations for children birth through age 18. A trusted local starting point if you have concerns about your child's development.
A Santa Fe-based nonprofit offering free, in-home developmental evaluations and therapies (speech, physical, occupational) for infants and toddlers birth to age 3 who have or may be at risk for developmental delays. Bilingual services and family support are available.
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.
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.
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.
The state's special education office, based right in Santa Fe, makes sure your child has the right to a free, appropriate public education and offers free help when you and the school disagree, including mediation, facilitated IEP meetings, and formal complaints. Their procedural safeguards guide, available in several languages, plainly spells out your rights as a parent.
This is the local district office that runs special education and IEPs for students across Santa Fe, so it is your first stop if your child attends or will attend a Santa Fe public school. They handle evaluations, IEP meetings, and the services your child is entitled to.
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.
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 Santa Fe clinic providing occupational therapy, sensory integration, speech-language therapy, and alternative communication support for kids, plus parent education. Their sensory and OT services are a common fit for children on the spectrum.
A well-established Santa Fe pediatric clinic offering speech-language, occupational, physical, and feeding therapy, with autism among their listed specialties. They accept Medicaid and see children right here in the county.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 local nonprofit serving Santa Fe County that offers respite for families of adults with developmental disabilities, plus community inclusion activities like art classes, garden programs, and outings. A warm way to find a break for yourself and connection for your loved one.
A Santa Fe based, cross-disability nonprofit offering peer support, information and referral, and independent living services for people with disabilities and their families. A local, community-rooted place to find guidance and connection.
Adult Transition & Long-Term Planning
Aging out of school, adult services, and long-term planning.
A neurodivergent employment agency offering job support nationwide over Zoom: resume building, mock interviews, and career guidance, plus direct outreach to employers to help secure placements. Supports neurodivergent individuals roughly ages 16 to 50, and has been in business over 15 years.
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 note on these listings. This directory is informational and not an
endorsement. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility change, so always confirm details
directly with the provider before relying on them. Nothing here is medical or legal advice.
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