Diagnosing Autism 

Autism can be diagnosed by a specialist as early as age 2, but many children are diagnosed around age 5. Visit https://ieautism.org/diagnosis-and-evaluation-assistance/ for a list of experienced local diagnosticians here in the Inland Empire.  

What to Do If You Notice These Traits 

If you see these traits in your child, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a big difference. 

From birth to five years of age, height and weight are not the only developmental milestones parents and caregivers should track. Other important milestones include how a child speaks, plays, acts, and learns. For children on the autism spectrum, early detection of developmental delays it critical. With early detection and intervention, children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to become enrolled in mainstream kindergarten classes, gain the skills needed to increase social opportunities, and reach their full potential throughout their lifetime.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), hereafter referred to as Autism (which includes Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified [PDD-NOS]), is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation.

Free: California Early Start Program (ages 0-3 years) 

California Early Start is a federally funded program through Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It ensures that eligible infants, toddlers, and their families receive evaluation and assessment. Early intervention involves promptly identifying delays and risk factors and assisting in eliminating or minimizing problems resulting from them. These services are designed to meet the developmental needs of each eligible infant or toddler and the family’s needs related to their development.  

If you think your baby or toddler (from birth to 3 years old) has a delay or disability or may have one, they may be able to get free Early Start services, no matter your documentation status or the language you speak. Early Start is a program that works with you and your child as a team to provide the best services for your child to help with their developmental needs and goals. 

To get Early Start services, your child must meet one of these requirements: 

• Have a delay of at least 25% in one or more areas of their development, such as thinking, talking, listening, playing, learning, or moving; or 

• Have a condition that makes it very likely that they will have a delay in their development, such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or 

• Have a combination of health problems that puts them at risk of having a serious delay in their development. A qualified person must diagnose these problems. 

If your child meets one of these requirements, they may be able to get Early Start services through Inland Regional Center if you live in Riverside or San Bernardino counties. You only have to complete an easy online application. You will receive an email asking you to send in your medical records. 

Early Intervention Services are based on the child’s needs and tend to follow a parent education model, which may not be as intensive as a medical model paid for by medical insurance. Services may include Assistive Technology, Audiology, Family Training/Counseling, Medical Services, Nursing Services, Nutrition Services, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychological Services, Social Work/ Service Coordination, Speech and language, Transportation, and Vision Services. 

Eligibility Criteria and Applications for Inland Regional Center 

Free: School District 

Children aged 3 to 5 who have been identified with a disability or developmental delay can qualify for an IEP. This is guaranteed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the child’s specific needs. Parents can request this evaluation, which teachers or healthcare providers can also recommend. If the child is eligible, a team, including parents, teachers, and specialists, will develop an IEP. This document outlines the child’s educational goals and the specific services and accommodations the school will provide. 

The IEP is reviewed at least annually to ensure it continues to meet the child’s needs. Adjustments can be made based on the child’s progress and any new challenges. The IEP can include various services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and specialized instruction. These services help the child develop essential skills and participate in education. These services are secondary and are not therapeutic.   

Parents play a crucial role in the IEP process. They are involved in every step, from the initial evaluation to the development and review of the IEP. 

Free: Regional Center (ages 3-5 yrs) 

A regional center in California is a local agency that helps people with developmental disabilities and their families. These centers are nonprofit organizations that provide various services, such as assessments, case management, and care coordination. There are 21 regional centers across the state, each serving a specific geographic area. Inland Regional Center serves residents of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.   

Diagnoses that may qualify a person for Regional Center services include the following developmental disabilities: Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, Epilepsy, or a condition closely related to or that require treatment similar to that required for an intellectual disability. In addition, to qualify for Regional Center services, a person’s developmental disability must: 

• originate before age 18 

• be expected to continue indefinitely 

• be a substantial disability, meaning the person experiences significant limitations in three or more of the following areas: self-care, language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, economic self-sufficiency 

Learning disabilities, or disabilities solely psychiatric or physical, are not included in the definition of developmental.  

Download A list of common services that may be available depending on the person’s need

If I Need Help

ifineedhelp.org

Non profit which uses QR Code Technology that can be accessed by computer or cell phone to provide help, emergency ID and peace of mind. They offer a free online member profile, and Emergency Q&A that can be edited in real time and emailed or printed in an emergency. Customizable ID products include ID cards, & wearables such as shoe/dog tags, patches, pins/clips, & apparel. Offers books on many safety topics, safety products including specialized locks, and clings for windows. Inland Regional Center vendor.

Seat Belt Buckle Guard
www.especialneeds.com
The Seat Belt Buckle Guard is a seat belt lock designed to prevent children with emotional and cognitive disabilities from releasing the seat belt while the car is in motion.

toddlermonitor™
toddlermonitor.com
toddlermonitor™ was created by a Mom, after her son snuck out of his bedroom and their house one night while she was sleeping. toddlermonitor™ hangs on your kid’s bedroom door and will alert your phone if your little escape artist leaves their bedroom at night. Get a great night’s sleep – that little one isn’t going anywhere!

Stickers and Decals for Cars and Windows can be purchased on ETSY or AMAZON.

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.

Treatment: Medical Insurance 

Medical insurance can often help cover early intervention services for children diagnosed with autism. These services are usually more intensive (more hours) and can include speech therapy, occupational therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which can support a child’s development. Many health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, offer coverage for these services. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand what services are covered and how to access them. Early intervention can make a big difference, so exploring these options is great.   

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.

If you believe your child is not meeting the age-appropriate developmental milestones or you have any concerns about your child, talk to your pediatrician. Do not wait.

During your conversation with your pediatrician, it is important to be prepared. Remember, you are an expert on your child, you know them better than anyone else. You are your child’s greatest advocate.

Be prepared to discuss the developmental milestones your child is or is not meeting. Complete a developmental milestone checklist such as the M-CHAT and bring it with you to your appointment. Compare your child’s development to the chart to show your concerns logically.