The New Mexico Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program offers free early intervention services for children from birth to age three but many families aren’t sure if their child qualifies. The FIT Program outlines four pathways for eligibility: developmental delay, established medical condition, at-risk biological/medical condition, and at-risk environmental condition. Understanding these criteria can help families know when to request a free evaluation.
This information comes directly from the New Mexico FIT Referrals FAQ, which you can read here:
[Download: FIT Referrals FAQ PDF]
1. Developmental Delay
A developmental delay means a child is significantly behind the expected milestones for their age. According to the FIT Program, a delay of 25% or more in one or more areas may qualify a child for services, including:
- Speech and language
- Motor skills (movement, coordination, muscle tone)
- Cognitive development
- Social-emotional development
- Adaptive/self-help skills
A delay at this level is considered meaningful and worth exploring early. The FIT Program evaluates children through play, observation, and standardized tools to determine whether a delay meets eligibility criteria.
2. Established Medical Condition
Some medical diagnoses automatically qualify a child for early intervention because they are strongly associated with developmental delays. These are referred to as established conditions, and they must be diagnosed by a physician. Examples listed in the FIT Program include:
- Down Syndrome
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Fragile X Syndrome (in boys)
- Prader-Willi, Williams, or other genetic syndromes
- Inborn errors of metabolism
- Significant neurological conditions
These diagnoses have a high probability of affecting development over time, even if delays are not yet apparent.
3. At-Risk Biological / Medical Condition
Some children have medical factors that increase, but do not guarantee, the likelihood of developmental delays. FIT refers to these as biological or medical risk conditions. Examples from the FIT guidelines include:
- Prematurity (especially under 32 weeks or very low birth weight)
- Prenatal exposure to substances such as alcohol or multiple drugs
- Birth trauma (seizures, low APGAR scores, intracranial hemorrhage)
- Certain genetic syndromes
- Neurological concerns such as tethered cord, gait problems, or macrocephaly
- Mild or intermittent hearing loss
These factors don’t always lead to delays, but they do increase risk, which is why early monitoring and support are available to families.
4. At-Risk Environmental Condition
Children may also qualify for early intervention based on environmental circumstances that could affect development. FIT defines an environmental risk as a substantial threat to a child’s ability to grow, learn, or thrive.
Examples include:
- Chronic caregiver mental health challenges
- A caregiver with a developmental or psychiatric disability
- Exposure to domestic violence
- Chronic drug or alcohol abuse in the home
- Lack of access to stable resources or safe daily environments
Environmental factors don’t reflect a child’s abilities; instead, they highlight circumstances where early support can make a life-changing difference.
How Aprendamos Helps Families Navigate Eligibility
Families in Doña Ana and Sierra Counties can access free evaluations through Aprendamos to better understand how these medical factors may impact development. Our team offers:
- Free developmental evaluations
- A family-centered, bilingual approach
- Specialists trained in infant and toddler development
- In-home, community-based, and telehealth visits
- No waitlist for evaluations in Doña Ana and Sierra Counties
If your child meets any FIT eligibility pathway, or if you’re simply unsure, referring your child is quick and easy, and there is no referral needed.
How to Get Started
- Call Aprendamos Early Intervention at (575) 526-6682
- Visit aitkids.com/early-intervention to request a free developmental evaluation
- Meet your early intervention team and learn about available supports
You can also review the official FIT referral guidelines here:
[Download the FIT Referrals FAQ PDF]
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