The municipality of Querétaro has launched a census of people with autism, marking the first time such an exercise has been conducted in Mexico. The initiative is part of the 'Of a Thousand Colors' program, which aims to raise awareness of the population with this condition.
Daniela Gallardo Nava, coordinator of Liaison with Civil Society Organizations at the Municipal DIF, reported that registration will be available from 5 PM today until the last day of July. It can be completed through the official portals of the municipality and the Municipal DIF System.
Once the census is completed, the municipality will issue identifications to the registered individuals that will allow them to receive priority access and appropriate support in public and private spaces, such as workplaces, transportation, and shopping centers. Gallardo Nava emphasized the importance of this census as a starting point for identifying the number of autistic individuals and the necessary actions to support this community.
Additionally, in the coming days, on-site registration points will be set up in different areas of the capital to include people who have difficulties registering online. As part of the 'Of a Thousand Colors' program, announced in early April, the creation of public policies for individuals on the autism spectrum is planned based on the data collected in the census.
One of the key initiatives will be the construction of the Comprehensive Autism Center of Querétaro, with construction possibly starting in early 2026.
