Project Description:
New Mexico is a large, rural state with limited access to services statewide. New Mexico also faces shortages of trained professionals at every level. The Autism Programs overall goals are in the areas of training, clinical services, family/individual support, advocacy and systems change. All work is aimed at capacity building, especially in rural New Mexico.
Over 200 evaluations are provided yearly to children and young adults to rule in/out a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Autism Programs provide specialty clinics for individuals with ASD: Anxiety Clinic, Medication Management Clinic and through a legislative mandate will be developing clinical services for individuals with ASD and challenging behaviors. The Autism Program provides parent training to over 100 families yearly with a child newly diagnosed with autism. The Autism Programs provides a large number of trainings that include workshops, conferences, webinars, e-courses, and foundational series. At least 2,000 individuals statewide attend training yearly. There are a variety of disciplines represented including medicine, psychology, speech-language pathology, occupational/physical therapy, special education teachers, general education teachers, paraprofessionals, social workers, counselors, families and others. The Autism Programs provide classroom consultation throughout the state as well as consultation for early intervention providers and providers of adult agencies. The Autism Programs hold a yearly residential camp for individuals with ASD and their typical peers (ages 8-17). The Autism Programs provide recreation activities for individuals with ASD and collaborates with community programs to insure inclusion of individuals with ASD. Technical assistance is given to the New Mexico legislative body as requested.
Unusual features include the vast distances needed to travel within the state to reach families as well as the lack of trained professionals in certain rural areas. New Mexico is at the bottom of every child indicator and our state is considered to be a minority-majority state. Positive features include strong partnerships with many state agencies in New Mexico that impact the lives of individuals with ASD and their families.
Expected benefits include support for families and individuals with ASD in navigating New Mexicos service systems and improved access to diagnostic services statewide. Capacity building at a local level and increased outcomes for students with ASD is expected. It is expected that community agencies will more readily accept individuals with ASD into their recreation programs which may produce lifelong leisure skills for the individuals with ASD. It is anticipated that with new behavioral services, fewer children with ASD will be admitted to residential treatment centers. Advocacy is expected to yield more services for individuals with ASD and their families statewide.
Keyword(s):
Provides clinical, trg/education, family support/advocacy, system change
Core Function(s):
Performing Direct and/or Demonstration Services, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Reservation, Rural/Remote, Urban
