During her morning press conference on Wednesday, Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, Governor of Baja California, presented key advancements in the state’s efforts to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Ávila Olmeda explained that in Mexico, 1 in every 115 children is diagnosed with ASD. To address this, Baja California has implemented several initiatives to ensure their inclusion and well-being.
Key Actions Implemented
- Comprehensive support for children with disabilities
- Access to professional care and training for educators
- Timely diagnosis
- Free therapy and specialized education
Since November 2021, the state’s System for Integral Family Development (DIF) has provided 292,000 consultations. The Department of Health, on the other hand, has delivered an average of 6,965 services annually, including diagnosis, treatment, and psychological support.
Creating inclusive educational environments
To strengthen inclusive education, the government has allocated 19 million pesos for teacher training, technological resources, and didactic materials, including:
- Computers and tablets
- Association-based learning games
- Painting kits, chess sets, STEAM science kits, and robotics arms
- EVALÚA psychopedagogical tests
Over the past two years, Baja California has trained 941 teachers in 424 schools and screened 747 children for ASD, with 332 receiving diagnosis and therapy.
Specifically in San Felipe, 87% of basic education teachers have been trained, and a multisensory room is under construction with an investment of over 2 million pesos, set to benefit thousands of children. Meanwhile, in San Quintín, 90% of schools have received focused assistance.
Baja California’s ASD care model
As part of a structured framework, teachers are trained at the Teletón Foundation’s CRIT rehabilitation centers to conduct screenings. Children are then referred to external clinics or civil society organizations for clinical diagnoses and treatment.
Baja California now operates three ASD Care Centers in Mexicali, Tijuana, and Ensenada, where families can access free services.
Additionally, the state has launched the Early Detection Program for ASD in Vulnerable Communities, diagnosing 37 children and providing support to 95 families in neighborhoods like Santorales, Ahumadita, and Solidaridad in Mexicali, and Maneadero in Ensenada.
Employment for adults with ASD
The government is also working to improve job opportunities for adults with ASD. A special commission is currently reviewing legislation, and therapy services for adults have been made available in Tijuana at no cost to families thanks to a partnership with Asociación Pro Autismo.
Salary Increase for ASD Care Professionals
Recognizing the dedication of ASD caregivers, Governor Marina del Pilar also announced a 90% salary increase for professionals working at CRIT and the state’s three ASD centers, raising wages from 16,000 to 30,000 pesos per month.
With these initiatives, Baja California is not only fostering a more inclusive society but also ensuring that children, youth, and adults with ASD receive the care and opportunities they deserve.
