Regional Center question

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Hi. I'm new to the forum and have a 5-year old son who was recently dx'd with Aspergers and ADHD. I've seen mentions on this board of people who receive assistance from their Regional Center. I am in California and our regional center will not provide any assistance for Asperger's. Is this specific to our area, or is it the same for all the regional centers in California?

The private practice he goes to for group and individual therapy doesn't take our insurance, but they are a provider for the regional center. Any info on how to qualify or other resoures to explore would be great, as we are paying out-of-pocket right now.

I lived in the Far Northern Region and was told that the Lanterman Act doesn't cover Asperger's. The school districts vary but seemed to use the Lanterman Act as an excuse to not provide services for Asperger's.

We live in Southern California and I've yet to find any kind of group practice that takes our insurance (Aetna)...and there doesn't seem to be much help otherwise. My son just turned 8, and he was diagnosed in June. The state of California - from it's schools right down - seems to have real trouble understanding and accepting that Aspergers really affects every aspect of these kids lives, and the sooner there can be intervention, the better the long term outcome.

I would suggest contacting an autism society in your area they'll help you. There is a San Diego chapter here and I saw that some of their resources cover aspergers. A friend of mine recieves SSI for his aspergers. He's from Escondido California.

Hi Soccerchick,

This is my first post btw, nice to meet everyone . I'm wondering where you are at in Cali? I'm in Central and my son just went thru testing thru the Regional Center, altho was dx-d by his Pys. last June. We are still waiting for the Staff meeting to hear their decision.

I have been told that they don't like to take on high functioning clients, such as Asperger's or PDD-NOS, but I do have a friend who fought that. When they did, they did relent and start giving services to her child. You just have to push and talk about due process. I know of a guy who runs a facility that has a contract thru the Regional Center in San Luis Obisbo and he said to fight and they will take you. High Functioning Autism is booming and they need to recognize this and help. I know my boys need help, and so do I, and my husband (11 yr old ASD, Mild Tics/Tourettes, 7 yr old Severe Tourettes, Mild ASD).

So push a little and see what happens. I also need to have my 7 yr old tested next, and plan to ask them about Tourettes as the TSA website says that Tourettes should be included (With the Regional Center) on taking a child on as a Client, but I won't believe it until I ask.

Good luck, I think we are in the same boat

Lainie