Yes, we collaborate with the Regional Center and DDS to provide parent support for newly diagnosed families and beyond.

Regional Center Clients:

Through our partnership with the Regional Center, we offer two options for parents of children ages 3-5. Request Parent Support.

Self-Determination Program:

With SDP, your family has the flexibility to design services that reflect your child’s needs and strengths. We guide you on starting the program, the many benefits and how to include our ongoing parent & wellness support from The Autism Guide.

Please note: The Autism Guide is not a Self-Determination Program (SDP) Independent Facilitator. However, we’re happy to help you get started and guide you through the early steps of the process.

💛 How Parent Support from The Autism Guide Benefits Families:

1. Reduces Overwhelm After Diagnosis

Navigating an autism diagnosis can be emotionally and logistically overwhelming. Our one-on-one coaching provides clear guidance, emotional reassurance, and action steps—especially during the critical early stages.

2. Streamlines Access to Services

We help families understand and access essential services like:

• Regional Center support
• IHSS
• Medicaid/Medi-Cal
• Self-Determination Program

This prevents families from getting lost in the system and ensures their child receives the right support early.

3. Builds Caregiver Confidence and Resilience

Through reflective sessions and wellness tools, parents feel heard, supported, and empowered to advocate for their children while also caring for themselves.

4. Creates a Circle of Support

Our workshops and events foster connection with other families, reducing isolation and building a strong support system through shared experiences.

5. Centers the Parent's Well-Being

By integrating wellness experiences, our programs support the whole caregiver—addressing emotional, physical, and mental health to prevent burnout.

6. Adapts to Each Family’s Stage

Whether a family is newly diagnosed or years into their journey, The Autism Guide offers customized support tailored to their current needs and goals.

💫 How to Get Started: Getting support through The Autism Guide is simple and personalized to meet you where you are:

1. Book a Complimentary Session
2. Start with a free 15-minute session to share your story and explore how we can best support your family.
3. Choose the Support You Need: Whether you’re looking for one-on-one coaching, help navigating services like the Regional Center or IEPs, or a place to reflect and release, we’ll build a plan that works for you.
4. Join the Community: Participate in our parent workshops, caregiver wellness experiences, and Shine Project community events to connect with others who understand the journey.
5. Start Thriving—Not Just Surviving: With the right support and resources, you’ll feel more confident, informed, and empowered to care for your child while caring for yourself, too.

Website: www.theautismguide.org

Email: support@theautismguide.org

IG: @theautismguide

“Early Intervention” might be the provider’s way of describing services that they provide to babies or young children. However, it might also indicate that the provider is a vendor for your state’s publicly funded program. This means the services with this provider might be covered by your state! 

The first step in accessing these free services from your state is to get an evaluation. The evaluation will help the state determine what services your child qualifies for, if any. You can find your state’s local EI program by clicking here.

When you contact your local center, say “I have concerns about my child’s development and I would like to have my child evaluated to find out if they are eligible for early intervention services.” They will ask screening questions and arrange for an evaluation, which is provided for free.

This happens. The results of the school’s evaluation may be different than your child’s medical diagnosis. It’s also important to remember that school is NOT the final say on your child’s potential. They may offer very little support to your child, underestimate their abilities, or disagree with you on what support your child needs. You will probably need to advocate for the services and support you believe your child needs.

Even if a provider offers parent training, it may look different from one provider to another. For example, an in-home provider might conduct a parent training session directly following a therapy session with your child to help explain what they’ve been working on with your child. At larger organizations, you might have a support group of families who are dealing with similar issues.