Receiving a diagnosis—or even just suspecting your child might be on the spectrum—can be a heavy moment. In New Mexico, the path from “I think something is different” to “Here is how we help” can feel like a maze of waitlists and red tape.
At Affinity Autism Behavior Care, we believe you shouldn’t have to navigate that path alone. If you are at the beginning of this journey, here is the roadmap to getting a formal diagnosis and starting ABA therapy in the Land of Enchantment.
The first step is always a conversation with your child’s primary doctor. In New Mexico, most insurance providers (including Medicaid) require a referral from a pediatrician to begin the formal evaluation process. Be specific about your concerns—whether it’s speech delays, social eye contact, or repetitive behaviors. Some other behaviors can include:
Sensory Sensitivities: Being unusually overwhelmed by loud noises (covering ears), specific clothing textures, or certain food consistencies.
Regression: If your child had a few words or social skills and suddenly seems to have lost them.
Lack of “Joint Attention”: Not looking at something when you point to it (e.g., “Look at the airplane!”) or not showing you things they are interested in.
Repetitive Play: Playing with toys in “unusual” ways, like spinning the wheels on a car for a long time instead of driving it, or lining objects up in a perfect row.
Body Movements: Frequent hand-flapping, rocking, or toe-walking.
Difficulty with Transitions: Extreme distress when moving from one activity to another or a rigid need for the exact same routine every day.
Delayed Response to Name: It might seem like they can’t hear you, even though you know their hearing is fine.
To qualify for ABA therapy in New Mexico, the diagnosis must come from a licensed professional recognized by your insurance provider. For the smoothest insurance approval, the report should ideally come from:
A Developmental Pediatrician
A Child Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)
A Pediatric Neurologist
A Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Local Tip: The UNM Center for Development and Disability (CDD) is a primary resource, but waitlists can be long. We recommend also exploring private neuropsychologists in the Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe areas to find a shorter timeline. Just know it will be worth it!
If your child is under the age of three, you don’t have to wait for a formal autism diagnosis to get support. New Mexico’s Family Infant Toddler (FIT) program offers early intervention services that can provide immediate speech or occupational support while you wait for your specialist appointment.
Once you have the diagnostic report, it will include a “Standardized Diagnostic Tool” (like the ADOS-2). This is the key that unlocks specialized, one-on-one support.
At Affinity, we take that report and turn it into a “Grounded in Care” plan. We don’t just look at the diagnosis; we look at the child. We focus on real-world independence—helping your child communicate their needs and build the skills that matter most to your family.
If you’re stuck in the “waiting room” phase or just received a diagnosis and aren’t sure what to do next, reach out. We are locals deeply invested in our New Mexico community, and we’re happy to help you find your footing. Additional resources are below