NMSU Papen-Aprendamos Autism Diagnostic Center

04/12/2026

5th Annual Celebrate the Spectrum 💙

We loved bringing together our Papen-Aprendamos Autism Diagnostic Center team for this year’s event! It gets bigger and better every year, and that growth is a true reflection of the incredible community we’re building together with all of you. Providers came from all over the state to connect, collaborate, and celebrate—and it means so much to see this network continue to grow.

We’re already looking forward to next year and hope to see all of you back again!

A huge thank you to Monica Nosseir for being the driving force behind this event and coordinating another successful year. Your dedication does not go unnoticed!

At Papen-Aprendamos, we celebrate autistic individuals all year round—not just one month—and remain committed to supporting our community every step of the way.

Be sure to follow our page to stay connected, and if you have any questions or want to learn more, email us at adcoutreach@nmsu.edu

04/12/2026

Celebrating the Spectrum All Month Long for Autism Acceptance Month!

We have an exciting calendar of events designed to bring our community together, celebrate neurodiversity, and support individuals on the spectrum.

This Week’s Highlights:
🎨 Tuesday: Artism Workshop for Children
➡️ Registration required | Space is limited

🌿 Wednesday: Teen Spectrum Social
➡️ Open to all at the Nature & Science Museum

🎨 Friday: Artism Workshop for Adults
➡️ Registration required | Space is limited

…and there’s so much more happening throughout the month!

Please refer to the attached calendar for more information on all upcoming events.

CHILD REGISTRATION https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/KZtJzHtxTx
ADULT REGISTRATION https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/sLuYHKFjYB

04/12/2026

We’re so grateful to all of the amazing community providers who joined us for our 5th Annual Celebrate the Spectrum event! 🧩💙

It truly means so much to come together with such dedicated, compassionate professionals who show up year after year to support, connect, and celebrate. We’re incredibly thankful to be part of a community filled with so many wonderful providers who make this work possible.

Thank you for helping us create something so special—we couldn’t do it without you! 🌈💙

04/11/2026

Celebrate The Spectrum 2026 🧩💙, happening now on the 3rd floor of Corbett Center Student Union at NMSU!
📍 1600 International Mall, Las Cruces, NM 88003

This is another entrance to get to the event, come join us! 🧩💙

04/11/2026

Celebrate The Spectrum 2026 🧩💙, happening now on the 3rd floor of Corbett Center Student Union at NMSU!
📍 1600 International Mall, Las Cruces, NM 88003

This is one of the entrances to get to the event, come join us! 🧩💙

04/10/2026

THIS SATURDAY!
Celebrate the Spectrum
Celebrate the Spectrum is a FREE community event created for individuals with autism and the people who support them. Join us for a day of connection, resources, and fun as we bring together 60+ agencies and organizations serving the autism community across Southern New Mexico.
What to Expect:
• Hands-on activities for all ages
• A calming Zen Zone for those who need a quiet space
• FREE lunch (with gluten-free options) available while it lasts
• Resources and support for children and adults
• Limited edition 2026 Celebrate the Spectrum T-shirt, designed by a local artist (while supplies last)
💙 This event is designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for everyone.
Admission is FREE – No registration required!
Saturday April 11
10 am-1pm
NMSU Corbett Center
Bring your family, friends, and community—
we can’t wait to celebrate with you THIS SATURDAY!
Celebra el Espectro
Celebra el Espectro es un evento comunitario GRATUITO creado para personas con autismo y quienes las apoyan. Acompáñanos en un día de conexión, recursos y diversión, donde reunimos a más de 60 agencias y organizaciones que brindan apoyo a la comunidad de autismo en el sur de Nuevo México.

04/10/2026

Join us for our next Teen Spectrum Social at the Nature & Science Museum on Wednesday, April 15!

This monthly group is designed for teens ages 13–17 who have autism or may be on the spectrum. It’s a safe, welcoming space where teens can relax, have fun, and build meaningful connections while exploring new experiences together.

While teens enjoy activities, parents are invited to unwind and connect with one another in a designated space.

We hope to see you there!

04/09/2026

THIS SATURDAY!

Celebrate the Spectrum

Celebrate the Spectrum is a FREE community event created for individuals with autism and the people who support them. Join us for a day of connection, resources, and fun as we bring together 60+ agencies and organizations serving the autism community across Southern New Mexico.

What to Expect:
• Hands-on activities for all ages
• A calming Zen Zone for those who need a quiet space
• FREE lunch (with gluten-free options) available while it lasts
• Resources and support for children and adults
• Limited edition 2026 Celebrate the Spectrum T-shirt, designed by a local artist (while supplies last)

💙 This event is designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for everyone.

Admission is FREE – No registration required!
Saturday April 11
10 am-1pm
NMSU Corbett Center

Bring your family, friends, and community—
we can’t wait to celebrate with you THIS SATURDAY!

Celebra el Espectro

Celebra el Espectro es un evento comunitario GRATUITO creado para personas con autismo y quienes las apoyan. Acompáñanos en un día de conexión, recursos y diversión, donde reunimos a más de 60 agencias y organizaciones que brindan apoyo a la comunidad de autismo en el sur de Nuevo México.

04/03/2026

I regret to inform everyone my career as an autism advocate was actually predetermined at birth. 😅

I was literally born on World Autism Awareness Day.
And like, statistically, that’s wild.

But on top of that, I was diagnosed with autism in 2007,
which just so happens to be the year Autism Awareness Day got officially recognized.

For those of us who live this life year-round, April can feel… annoying.

The world pauses to have conversations about autism…conversations WE don’t get to walk away from when the month ends.

And by May 1st, most people have conveniently forgotten what was said.

Simultaneously, there’s endless infighting about what April really is - autism “awareness” or “acceptance.”

And I’m not willing to argue about it, so I’ll leave you with this:

Awareness increases with time,
understanding increases with effort,
and acceptance requires both.

Anyway, Happy Autism Month to all who celebrate! 🩵

04/02/2026

04/02/2026

TODAY!!!! CELEBRATE AUTISM ACCEPTANCE DAY, THURSDAY, APRIL 2!!!
Come hang out, chat, and connect with others who share similar interests and enjoy a good time! This laid-back social gathering is designed for autistic adults and offers a welcoming, comfortable space to relax, be yourself, and build community. Grab a coffee (or your favorite drink), enjoy great conversation, or play a game of pool, chess, or puzzles—all available for you to enjoy.
Please help us spread the word about our NEW LOCATION, and join us in making new connections in an inclusive, low-pressure environment. No diagnosis required—just come as you are!
JAMILA COFFEE
111 S. Solano Dr. Suite B, Las Cruces, NM
(575) 331-6458