Regional Centers –Regional centers are nonprofit organizations contracted with the Department of Developmental Services to deliver or coordinate services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
WarmLine–A support and resource service for families of infants and young children with special needs
Mind Institute –This organization is affiliated with UC Davis and mainly researches Autism Spectrum Disorders or similar conditions but does not primarily provide intervention services.
Developmental Disability Area Board 3 –A state-run organization that advocates for parents. Keep in mind, this group has a limited number of people trying to assist a large population.
Occupational therapists –Schools can often provide this service if your child has fine motor issues that significantly affect their functioning at school. If a child qualifies for occupational therapy (OT) due to fine motor difficulties, therapists can sometimes also address sensory issues. Otherwise, parents may need to privately pay for an occupational therapist, many of whom are highly qualified to assist your child.
Speech therapistsare often provided by schools if your child has speech issues that significantly affect their functioning at school. Otherwise, there are several private pay therapists available, many of whom excel at helping children learn to talk.
Neurologists –It can be very helpful for individuals with an ASD and to help rule out seizure disorders, which occur in approximately 30% of individuals with this disorder, compared to less than 5% in the general population. Usually, a referral from a child’s pediatrician or general practitioner to a neurologist is needed.
Regional Centers –Regional centers are nonprofit organizations contracted with the Department of Developmental Services to deliver or coordinate services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
