Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda announced a 47 million peso (approximately $2.4 million USD) investment to build a Regional Autism Center, the state’s first dedicated facility for comprehensive care for people on the autism spectrum.
The governor made the announcement on April 15 in Tecate during events marking Autism Awareness Week. The new center will provide evaluation, diagnosis, and ongoing therapy under one roof.
Expanded Workforce and Therapy Sessions
The state government has more than doubled its autism therapy workforce since 2023, growing from 20 to 45 specialists. That 125% increase has helped the state log more than 66,000 therapy sessions over the past two years.
Second shifts have been added at existing autism care centers in Mexicali and Tijuana to meet rising demand. The extended hours allow families who work during the day to access services in the evening.
New Sensory Rooms Planned for 2026
Five new sensory rooms are planned for neighborhoods in Tijuana and Ensenada, with installation expected in 2026. Sensory rooms use controlled lighting, sounds, and textures to help individuals on the spectrum develop coping skills and process stimulation.
Baja California already partners with CRI Teletón in Tijuana, considered the largest autism care facility in Mexico. The state plans to deepen that collaboration as part of its broader autism services expansion.
Early Screening in Public Schools
The state has also launched early screening programs in public elementary schools aimed at catching autism diagnoses that might otherwise go undetected. Early identification is considered critical for effective intervention, and school-based screening removes barriers for families who may not have access to private specialists.
The combined investments cover four of the state’s five municipalities: Mexicali, Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada. For families currently crossing the border to access specialized autism care in San Diego, the expansion of publicly funded services on the Mexican side could reduce both travel time and out-of-pocket costs.
The announcement was first reported by Punto Norte on April 15, 2026.