We are the main institution in Tijuana, B.C., which provides services for children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in vulnerable situations. The effective treatments we offer consist of early detection and intervention through an educational program. During the past 20 years, PASITOS served 793 students with its school program, enrolled 53 students in regular classrooms, completed 37,972 therapy sessions, and benefited more than 5,794 parents, teachers, and residents.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that is lifelong and affects a person's communication, behavior, interpersonal relationships, and interests to varying degrees. In Mexico it is estimated that 1 in every 115 children will be diagnosed with ASD; 600,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. The community, health centers, and parents often do not know the characteristics of ASD, delaying timely interventions that could have benefited the child had they been diagnosed earlier.
Recent studies show that early intervention (prior to age 3) significantly improves socialization, perception and communication skills, resulting in a better prognosis. PASITOS favors a balanced approach via specialized care in an educational and therapeutic that stimulates the areas of communication, conduct, cognition, academics, motor skills, socialization and independent living, environment and by increasing community awareness about ASD in order to promote early detection and intervention.
We want to remove social barriers generated by both lack of knowledge and stereotypes about ASD so children with ASD will have an easier and more consistent opportunity for inclusion at public schools, work, and in the community. Creating inclusiveness through training, talks, and workshops for parents, teachers, and the community at large is a top priority at PASITOS. Together we will create a community that is informed about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
