Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta will soon play a central role in expanding specialized services for people with autism and intellectual disabilities, as the city has been chosen to host a new Regional Center for Autism and Intellectual Disability under a sweeping statewide initiative.
Governor Pablo Lemus announced the project following the unanimous approval of the Law for the Care, Protection, and Inclusion of People Living on the Autism Spectrum in the State of Jalisco, legislation that establishes new protections, funding, and support systems for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities.
The new center will be especially meaningful for families in Puerto Vallarta and neighboring communities, many of whom currently travel several hours to Guadalajara or other cities for evaluations, therapy, and specialized treatment. Bringing those services to the costal region will make care more accessible while reducing travel costs, lengthy commutes, and other obstacles that can delay treatment.
Puerto Vallarta will become part of Jalisco’s growing network of regional autism care facilities, joining existing centers in Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tepatitlán, and the state’s Teletón Center. The state also plans to extend the network to Ciudad Guzmán and Lagos de Moreno next year, ensuring that more residents can receive specialized care closer to where they live.
The legislation reaches far beyond the construction of new facilities. It establishes a long-term strategy focused on improving quality of life through earlier diagnosis, expanded access to services, and stronger inclusion in education, healthcare, and society.
One of the law’s most significant measures is the creation of a State Registry of People with Autism, which will provide reliable data on the number of individuals living with ASD, where they are located, and the types of support they need. State officials say the registry will serve as a foundation for planning future programs and directing resources where they are needed most.
The law also creates a Special Fund for Autism, dedicated to operating specialized centers, increasing service availability, supporting professional training, encouraging timely diagnoses, and offering assistance to families navigating the challenges of autism and intellectual disabilities.
To improve coordination, the legislation establishes an Intersectoral Commission that will unite representatives from health, education, social assistance, justice, and care agencies. Working together, these sectors will be better equipped to provide comprehensive services rather than requiring families to navigate multiple disconnected systems.
The announcement comes as awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder continues to grow worldwide. International health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have emphasized the importance of early identification, specialized intervention, and greater educational and workplace inclusion as understanding of autism has expanded over the past decade.
For Puerto Vallarta, the new Regional Center represents more than a new public facility – it marks an important step toward ensuring that children, teens, and adults throughout the Costa region can receive specialized care without leaving their communities. By bringing essential services closer to home, the initiative is expected to ease the burden on families while helping more people access the support they need when they need it most.
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