Querétaro Records Over 59 Early Autism Diagnoses

Querétaro’s municipal DIF said on August 5 that it has completed more than 59 specialized autism diagnoses through early-detection screening sessions launched in May. The screenings are part of the municipality’s Mil Colores program, which the city says is designed to expand access to evaluations for children, teenagers and adults with suspected autism. Municipal officials said residents who still need an assessment can register through the Ciudad Qro app and be added to a waiting list for upcoming free diagnostic sessions. The August 5 update adds detail to a broader municipal effort that also includes neurodivergence training for public servants and members of the public. The municipality said those measures are intended to improve how autistic residents are identified and referred for services. Officials also tied the work to a campaign commitment by Mayor Felifer Macías. (aldialogo.mx) ### How many diagnoses has Querétaro reported so far? More than 59 specialized autism diagnoses had been completed as of August 5, according to the municipal DIF. The city said the evaluations were carried out during specialized early-detection sessions for people with suspected autism, including children, adolescents and adults. (aldialogo.mx) Since May 2026, the municipality has said it has strengthened early-detection and diagnostic work through those screening drives. The city presented the figure as part of an effort to bring specialized assessment services closer to residents who might otherwise face delays in obtaining a formal evaluation. (aldialogo.mx) ### What is the Mil Colores program actually offering? Mil Colores is the municipality’s autism support program, run through Querétaro’s DIF, and the official program page describes it as an initiative focused on care and support for autistic people with an inclusion and neurodiversity approach. The municipal update said the program now serves as the entry point for screenings, diagnosis tracking and follow-up support. (aldialogo.mx) The municipality said Mil Colores has registered 1,850 autistic people. It also said 745 official identification lanyards have been delivered to autistic residents and 52 people have been referred to language therapy at the Centro Integral de Rehabilitación Regional, or CIRR. The city added that referrals for equine therapy are also available for people who need them. (dif.municipiodequeretaro.gob.mx) ### How can residents get screened or report an existing diagnosis? Residents seeking early detection or a free autism diagnosis must register in Mil Colores through the Ciudad Qro app, according to the municipality. During registration, users can indicate whether they already have a diagnosis. If they do not, they can be placed on the waiting list for the next specialized diagnostic session. (aldialogo.mx) The DIF program page also says diagnosed autistic people or their relatives can register through municipal and DIF channels as part of the municipality’s autism census effort. The page lists a contact number for more information and identifies the DIF offices in Centro Sur, Santiago de Querétaro. ### What else has the municipality done beyond diagnoses? (aldialogo.mx) Fourteen trainings on neurodivergence have reached more than 1,350 public servants and residents, the municipality said. Officials said the sessions are meant to strengthen knowledge about autism, promote respectful treatment and encourage inclusion across public-facing settings. (dif.municipiodequeretaro.gob.mx) Felifer Macías was cited by local reports as the political sponsor of the broader initiative, which municipal statements describe as part of a campaign commitment. The municipality said the combined strategy of screenings, diagnosis and training is meant to widen coverage and reduce waiting times for specialized attention. (aldialogo.mx) ### What happens next for families who have not yet been evaluated? The next step for residents without a diagnosis is registration through the Ciudad Qro app and placement on the waiting list for the next free diagnostic day, according to the municipality. The DIF’s Mil Colores program page says the autism support initiative remains active and provides contact information for follow-up through the municipal DIF in Querétaro. (aldialogo.mx)