STARTING
STRONG
Ages 0-5
STARTING
STRONG
UNDERSTANDING SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Early intervention services play a pivotal role in the lives of children with Autism and their families. These services, designed to support children from birth to age five, encompass a range of therapies and educational programs to address developmental delays and enhance overall development. These services can include many different types of therapies (e.g., speech, occupational, behavioral, play, etc.) and be delivered by professionals from different systems (school, medical, Regional Center).
These Services can be essential for children with Autism:
- Developmental Progress: Early Intervention can significantly support a child’s development. It helps children learn essential skills such as communication, social interaction, and motor abilities during a critical period when their brains are most adaptable.
- Better Long-Term Outcomes: Research shows that children who receive early intervention are more likely to have better long-term outcomes. This includes improved language skills, higher IQ levels, and better adaptive behaviors.
- Family Support: Early Services often include family training and support, which can help parents and caregivers understand their child’s needs and how to support their developmental best.
- Reduced Need For Special Education: Early Intervention can reduce the need for special education services later in life. Children are better prepared for school and other social settings by addressing developmental delays earlier.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Early Intervention can help manage sensory experiences and behaviors, improving the quality of life for both the child and their family.
Free Services
If you think your baby or toddler (from birth to 3 years old) has a delay or disability, or may have one in the future, they may be able to get free Early Start services, no matter your documentation status or 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:
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- 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.
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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 to complete a easy, online application. You will receive an email asking for you to send in medical records.
If you live in another county, you can find your local Regional Center using this Directory!
With the support of a grant from the California Department of Developmental Services, the Autism Society Inland Empire has developed the Starting Strong Toolkit to help families understand the diagnosis process, access essential services and resources. Additionally, we have initiated the Meet, Greet, and Play Group with Learn & Grow Resources to assist families in fostering community connections and provide developmental & sensory activities.
