California
California's Lanterman Act provides an entitlement to services through 21 Regional Centers — no waitlists for eligible individuals.
Diagnosis & Early Intervention
Diagnosis — Children (0–5)
Diagnosis through Regional Centers (free) or private providers. Regional Centers provide comprehensive assessment.
Expect wait times of roughly Regional Center assessment typically 30-60 days. Private providers 1-3 months. for a specialist evaluation.
Screening is typically recommended starting at Early Start services from birth. Regional Center eligibility from diagnosis..
Key legislation
- Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act — California Welfare & Institutions Code § 4500 et seq.
- Early Start Program — California Government Code § 95000 et seq.
Therapies & Interventions
The following therapy types are available in this area. Where coverage is noted, families may access services through public funding streams without paying full private rates.
School-Based Supports
- IEP services through public schools at no cost
- Inclusion-first model with supports
- Special day classes available
- Regional Center can supplement school services
Government Programs
Early Start (Part C IDEA)
Free developmental services for children birth to 3 with delays or disabilities.
Eligibility: Children birth to 3 with documented developmental delay.
Visit program website →Funding & Insurance
Families in this area can access the following funding mechanisms for autism-related services:
- Regional Center funding for eligible services
- Medi-Cal EPSDT for medically necessary services
- Mandated private insurance coverage
- Early Start free for children birth to 3
Respite Care
Regional Center provides respite care hours based on assessed family need.
Therapies Across Age Groups
School-Age (6–12)
Teens (13–17)
School Supports
School-Age (6–12)
- Full IEP services under IDEA Part B
- 504 plans for accommodations
- Inclusion supports in mainstream classrooms
- Regional Center supplements school services
Teens (13–17)
- Transition planning at age 14 in IEP
- Dual enrollment options
- Career Technical Education with accommodations
Government Programs
Regional Center System (Lanterman Act)
21 non-profit Regional Centers provide diagnosis, assessment, service coordination, and funding for autism services. The Lanterman Act establishes an entitlement — no waitlists for eligible individuals.
Eligibility: Must have a developmental disability (autism qualifies). No income test.
Visit program website →Early Start Program
California's Part C IDEA early intervention program for children birth to 3 with developmental delays or disabilities.
Eligibility: Children birth to 3 with documented developmental delay or at-risk conditions.
Visit program website →Medi-Cal
California's Medicaid program covering comprehensive autism services including ABA therapy under EPSDT for eligible children.
Eligibility: Income-based. Institutional deeming waiver available for families.
Visit program website →Funding & Insurance
Medi-Cal
Covers ABA, speech, OT, PT, and developmental services under EPSDT. Regional Center acts as payer of last resort for non-medical supports.
Mandated Insurance Coverage
California law requires state-regulated health plans to cover medically necessary behavioral health treatments including ABA therapy.
ABLE Account
Tax-advantaged savings for individuals with disabilities. Funds do not count toward SSI asset limits.
Transition & Adult Services
Teens (13–17)
California requires transition planning starting at age 14. Goals address employment, education, and independent living.
Adults (18+)
California has no waitlists for adult services due to the Lanterman Act entitlement. Regional Centers provide residential, employment, and day program supports.
Respite & Family Support
Respite Care
Regional Center provides respite care hours based on assessed family need.
Immigrant & Multilingual Services
Medi-Cal and Regional Center services do not require citizenship. Undocumented children can access Emergency Medi-Cal and Early Start regardless of status.
Languages available through programs:
- Spanish-language services widely available
- Regional Centers provide interpreter services
- Multilingual evaluation teams
- Asian language services in major metros
Cultural & community resources:
- Multicultural parent support groups
- Immigrant family resource centers
- Translation services available through Regional Centers