Autism
Funds are available based on Legislative appropriation from the State General Funds and there may be waiting lists for these services in some communities due to the limited funding availability.
DDSD funds and partners with the University of New Mexico (DDSD) Autism Programs Division to provide several autism services.
If you are wondering where to start in accessing services for a family member with ASD, please visit the Autism Spectrum Disorder Portal website. Additional information and resources can also be found in the Autism Supports Training section of our website.
Training
DDSD funds and partners with the UNM Autism Programs Division to provide an array of training and professional development opportunities to professionals working with individuals with ASD and to family members.
Learn more by visiting the Autism Supports Training section of our website.
Diagnostic Evaluations
DDSD funds and partners with the UNM Autism Programs Division to provide diagnostic evaluations through:
- The UNM Early Childhood Evaluation Program (for children under age 3)
- The UNM Autism Spectrum Evaluation Clinic (for children ages 3 and older)
These are interdisciplinary teams that have strong expertise in ASD and developmental disabilities and include evaluating social and emotional development, communication, thinking and problem solving, adaptive skills, and behavior.
Technical Assistance and Support
DDSD funds and partners with the UNM Autism Programs Division to provide support and technical assistance to families of children with ASD and their teams in Family Infant Toddler Program (FIT) program and preschool special education teams. The Project Specialized Early Teaching (SET) consultants host live trainings, conduct webinars and are available to conduct short-term consultations to classrooms and agencies.
Camp Rising Sun
The UNM Autism Programs Division supports the administration of Camp Rising Sun. The camp provides a specialized summer camp experience for individuals with ASD and their peers, as well as respite for parents and caregivers of children with ASD. Camp Rising Sun also provides an opportunity for students, community volunteers, and professionals to gain experience working with those diagnosed with ASD.
Parent Home Training
DDSD funds and partners with the UNM Autism Programs Division to provide the Autism Parent Home Training (PHT) program, which is a short-term educational program where families learn to help their child develop and gain new skills through individualized in-home consultation.
Family Services
DDSD funds and partners with the UNM Autism Programs Division to provide Autism Family Services that include family specialists who, through phone and electronic communication, serve as resource specialists to help families with problem solving individual issues or systems navigation. They can be contacted at 1-800-270-1861.
Recreational Respite Services
DDSD contracts with provider agencies across the state to provide recreational respite for children with ASD. This service provides a break from caregiving to their family members and provides social skills opportunities for the child through an array of recreational activities. Recreational Respite staff receive professional development training in providing services to individuals with ASD. Please see our Autism Services: Recreational Respite Provider List for more information.
NOTE: Funding is not currently available for this program.
Flexible Services Program
DDSD launched the Autism Flexible Services program in 2017 for children with a diagnosis of ASD who are not eligible for Medicaid and their families. This program is funded through an appropriation from the legislature. Families can access up to $2,500 for a variety of autism supports and services that are flexible to meet the needs of children and families across New Mexico.
NOTE: Funding is not currently available for this program.
Applied Behavioral Analysis Services
While not funded through DDSD, families with a child with diagnosis of ASD who is eligible for Medicaid can request to receive Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services in accordance with NMAC 8.321.2.10. This service is covered under the Behavioral Health benefit package and families should contact their Care Coordinator within the Managed Care Organization (MCO) under which they are enrolled. To learn about eligibility, see the State of New Mexico’s New Mexico Human Services Department Medicaid Portal.
Health Insurance Coverage
While not funded through DDSD, families with a child with a diagnosis of ASD with private health insurance coverage can access autism services because of Senate Bill 39 - Coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment that was signed into law in 2009, mandating health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders in persons 19 years old and younger or 22 years old and younger if enrolled in high school. Services covered include well-baby and well-child screening for diagnosing the presence of autism spectrum disorder and the treatment of autism spectrum disorder through speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and applied behavioral analysis. This coverage is limited to prescribed treatments and may cost no more than $36,000 annually and $200,000 in total lifetime benefits. These limits were to be adjusted for inflation on January 1 of each year. In April 2013, H.B. 22 expanded coverage under New Mexico's 2009 autism insurance reform law to include public employees.