Transdisciplinary Evaluation & Support Clinic (TEASC)
TEASC is an interdisciplinary team that provides consultative services for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), presenting with complex medical, behavioral, or systems needs. TEASC consultation does not replace the ongoing care of an individual’s medical, therapy, or interdisciplinary team providers.
Our Mission and Vision
The UNM TEASC Project mission is to enhance the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through an innovative and comprehensive interdisciplinary program. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
Our vision is to develop a center that integrates consultative clinics, outreach clinics, acute care services, curriculum development, and impactful research.
Comprehensive Community Care
In addition to providing in-home services, our team offers:
Evaluations and recommendations
Work in community clinics with local providers
Teaching and training for students and residents
Training for community providers
Research and program assessments
Collaboration and consultation with the state
TEASC also offers training options for students in nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, psychology, physical therapy and more.
TEASC evaluations – provided statewide in the individual’s community
Adult Special Needs Clinic - at UNM FCM
Adult Cerebral Palsy Clinic – at UNM Continuum of Care (COC)
Supports and Assessment for Feeding and Eating (SAFE) Clinic – Sponsored by NM DOH/DDSD
Development Disabilities/Mental Illness (DDMI) Clinic – in collaboration with COC
Telephone or in person consultations with clinical providers
Through our consultative clinics, we strive to provide personalized, evidence-based assessments and interventions that address the unique needs of each individual. Our outreach clinics extend our reach to communities, ensuring equitable access to high-quality care and promoting awareness and understanding of developmental disabilities.
In a multidisciplinary care setting, we aim to deliver specialized and compassionate services to individuals with developmental disabilities, collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals to optimize their overall health and well-being.
Lectures and didactics in multiple educational settings
Statewide trainings for community clinical providers
Statewide trainings for DD waiver providers
Our commitment to education is reflected in our curriculum development initiatives, where we design and implement interdisciplinary training programs. These programs not only empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide exceptional care but also promote a culture of inclusivity and empathy.
Additionally, our dedication to advancing knowledge in the field is demonstrated through our research endeavors. We seek to contribute to the growing body of evidence that informs best practices in the care and support of individuals with developmental disabilities, ultimately driving positive societal change.
Making a Referral to TEASC
TEASC assistance does not replace the direct care provided by the client’s primary care doctor, psychiatrist, therapist, interdisciplinary team or other caregivers.
Current providers or caregivers can contact TEASC for an evaluation. After an initial screening, our staff will contact you to discuss:
Available community resources
Additional background information
An evaluation date
Why you would make a referral to our team:
Concerning changes in behavior
Change in medical status/Complex medical presentation
Functional decline
Long-standing behavior or medical issues
Review of psychotropic medications
Problems accessing support systems, or questions about what support is available
Challenges in team or family dynamics
A Primary Care Provider or Behavioral Health Provider requests help with complex medical/behavioral issues
The TEASC team is made up of specialists from many areas.
Our team includes:
Family Medicine providers
Psychiatrists
Pharmacists
Nurses
Neuropsychologists
Counselors
Dental Hygienists
Social workers and experts in state support systems
Sign language interpreters and more
By integrating clinical expertise, outreach efforts, acute care services, transition, educational initiatives, and research endeavors, our interdisciplinary program aims to create a holistic and sustainable impact on the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Together, we strive to build a more inclusive and compassionate society that recognizes and values the diverse abilities of every individual.
