For individuals with Autism who have behaviors and complex support needs, traditional day programs may not always reflect a person‑centered fit. Group settings, fixed schedules, sensory demands, and standard staffing ratios can sometimes increase stress or limit a person’s ability to feel safe, regulated, and engaged. Behaviors are often a form of communication or a response to unmet needs, environments, or expectations.

Person‑centered, creative approaches focus on understanding the individual’s strengths, preferences, goals, and support needs, and then designing services around them—rather than expecting the person to adapt to a system. Flexible and individualized support can reduce barriers, honor dignity and choice, and help individuals participate meaningfully in daily activities while supporting health, safety, and long‑term quality of life.

We have provided some suggestions, but creativity and flexibility are often essential to building supports that are truly person‑centered. What works best will depend on the individual’s strengths, needs, goals, and what helps them feel safe, regulated, and successful.

Self-Determination Program
The Self‑Determination Program (SDP) is a Regional Center option that gives families more choice and control over their loved one’s services. Instead of being limited to Regional Center vendors, families receive an individual budget. They can hire their own providers—people they trust and who truly understand their child’s medical, behavioral, or communication needs. SDP can be especially helpful for someone with complex needs because it allows families to build a support team that fits their child’s needs, choose trained staff, set up flexible schedules, and create services that may not exist in the traditional system. However, it’s important to know that SDP takes a lot of time and energy from parents. Families are more involved in planning, hiring, supervising, and organizing services. For some, this extra work is worth it because SDP provides more flexibility and a better overall fit for their loved one’s unique needs.

Tailored Day Services (TDS)
Tailored Day Services (TDS) is a flexible Regional Center option for adults seeking a more personalized alternative to a traditional day program. Instead of a set schedule or group format, TDS provides 1:1 support and a schedule built around the person’s goals, strengths, and needs. Services can focus on employment preparation, college support, community access, volunteering, life skills, or paid internships, depending on what the individual wants to work on. TDS can be especially helpful when a loved one has behavioral, medical, or support needs that make traditional day programs difficult. With TDS, families can:

• Use 1:1 staffing, which provides more supervision, consistency, and individualized support.
• Create a schedule that fits the person’s energy, sensory profile, medical appointments, or regulation needs, instead of requiring full-day participation.
• Build support around specific goals—such as community safety, communication skills, job exploration, or structured routines.
• Customize activities to reduce overwhelming and increase success in real-life settings.
• Ensure health and safety needs are included directly in the plan.

Integrated Resource Institute (IRI)
https://www.irioc.org/
Chino – (909) 497-2322
From advocacy leadership at the state and national level to heartfelt stories of individual progress, this year’s report affirms IRI’s mission: to build a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can contribute, grow, and thrive through the dignity of work.

Traditional Behavioral Day Program Services
Traditional Behavioral Day Program Services may participate in tasks and activities to support daily living, learn new skills, engage in behavioral management, volunteering, and receive vocational training. Program services are typically delivered at a 1:3 staff-to-client ratio, with the potential to reach 1:1. Some, but not all, can assist with eating and toileting concerns at varying levels of support. A Board-Certified Analyst (BCBA) or a Behavior Management Consultant is required to provide at least 2 hours per person per month, or, on average, semi-annually, and can be prorated based on an individual’s part-time attendance. Direct service staff will complete a 40-hour, behavior-focused training program as outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s RBT 40-hour Training Requirements.

Opportunities and services at each site vary by program, and it is strongly recommended that you visit each program to ensure it is an appropriate fit for you. Do not just show up at these locations. You may need to have your service coordinator make the appointment. Individuals interested in these services should have an IPP goal for this type of service.

Arroyo Development Center
https://arroyods.wordpress.com/contact-information
Pomona – (909)622-7117
Has a 3:1 ratio, with a potential 1:1 ratio to consider. Staff pick up participants from home and can assist with toileting needs. Vendor: HP5773.

Basic Occupational Training Center (BOT)
https://botbmod.com/
Corona – (951) 268-3185; Vendor: HJ0994
Perris – (951) 657-8028; Vendor: HJ0115
Riverside – (951)788-2349; Vendor: HJ0489
3:1 Ratio of staff to clients only, may assist with toileting or eating. Another vendor will need transportation services.

In-Roads Creative
http://www.in-roads.net/behavior-management-programs/
Menifee – Vendor: HJ2798
Rancho Cucamonga – Vendor: HJ0985

OPARC
www.oparc.com
Walnut – (909) 895- 8170; Vendor: HP5260
San Bernardino – (909) 890-5919; Vendor: HJ0915
Upland – (909) 920-5204
3:1 ratio for all participants. OPARC offers transportation services and accepts outside vendors. Can assist with toileting needs.

Social Vocational Services
https://socialvocationalservices.org/
Palm Springs – (760) 322-6023; Vendor: HJ0906
Riverside – (951) 657- 8028; Vendor: H69068
San Bernardino – (909) 255-8161
3:1 and 1:1 available on a case-by-case basis.  Participants will need transportation service through the IRC to the program. Can assist with toileting needs.

Supporting Unlimited Potential
https://www.supincservices.com/
Moreno Valley – (951) 214-6833; Vendor: HJ2674

Autism Society Options Policy

This Resource Guide was developed to provide families and professionals with an opportunity to find resources related to autism in the Inland Empire in one place.

All information provided or published by the Autism Society Inland Empire is for information purposes only. Specific treatment, therapy or services should be provided to an individual only at the direction of the individual’s doctor, caregiver, or other qualified professional. References to any treatment or therapy option, program, service, or treatment provider are not an endorsement by the Autism Society. References of treatments, therapies, programs, services, and/or providers are not intended to be comprehensive statements. You should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. The Autism Society assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided. The Autism Society Inland Empire provides information, but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society Inland Empire cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval. The Autism Society Inland Empire may add or remove organizations from this list at its discretion.