First Autism Center in Ciudad Juárez Nears Completion, Aiding 35 Families
Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, August 1, 2026 – The first ‘Unidos por el Autismo’ Center in Ciudad Juárez is nearing full completion, a significant milestone for families affected by autism in the region. Driven by the Unidos por el Autismo A.C. Foundation, led by Egla Ramírez Pérez, the center aims to provide essential support and raise awareness about autism within the community.
The foundation, established as a civil association in 2016, originated from the personal experiences of Egla Ramírez Pérez, who has two children with autism. “We have been working since 2014, and in 2016, we became a civil association. We started this entire project because we have two children with autism and began to see the needs that existed here in the city. For us, the Autism Center is a dream that is gradually coming true, and although we cannot serve all people with autism in the city, we are working to serve the largest possible population,” stated Ramírez Pérez.
Citizen Participation Key to Funding and Construction
The construction of the ‘Unidos por el Autismo’ Center was made possible through the Municipal Government of Ciudad Juárez’s Participatory Budget, a mechanism allowing citizens to decide the allocation of a percentage of the local budget by voting on public works projects. “We submitted the project, and out of 395 projects, we ranked third, all thanks to the citizens’ vote; there were almost 4,000 votes,” Ramírez Pérez explained.
The center currently has a completed first phase, and the second phase is being consolidated thanks to renewed participation in the 2025 Participatory Budget.
Services and Facilities
Since August 2025, the center has been attending to minors aged 3 to 17 years. Its facilities include a reception area, waiting room, cafeteria, kitchen, administrative offices, locker area, and restrooms. Services are offered at a minimal fee, with scholarships available for those in need. “The work has to be personalized; no two are alike. We are currently serving 35 families, and we have a waiting list that we are gradually addressing,” Ramírez Pérez added.
The center currently employs three psychologists and two volunteers who provide care to the minors.
Second Phase Advancing Rapidly
Sebastián Aguilera Brenes, Director of Citizen Participation for the local government, confirmed that the second phase of the center is currently 88% complete. This phase includes the paving of the parking lot, sidewalks, curbs, installation of perimeter cyclone fencing, concrete flooring, placement of metal benches, trash cans, access ramps, curb painting, and a pedestrian crossing. Each phase has represented an investment of approximately seven million pesos, totaling 14 million pesos for the entire project.
The completion of this center marks a significant step forward in providing specialized care and support for individuals with autism and their families in Ciudad Juárez, driven by community effort and governmental support.
Source: https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/construyen-centro-autismo-ciudad-ju%C3%A1rez-060000456.html
