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Developmental disability services
Regional centers, eligibility assessments, and Early Start for infants and toddlers.
These are starting points in California. Confirm the details with the organization. We do not decide who qualifies.
State agency
Regional centers
California Department of Developmental Services
DDS oversees services for Californians with developmental disabilities through 21 nonprofit regional centers. Regional centers assess people, decide eligibility, and coordinate services in an individual plan. DDS says to look up the center for your area.
Next step
Open the DDS regional center page and use Look Up Your Regional Center.
DDS says regional centers diagnose and assess eligibility, then help plan services needed because of a developmental disability. DDS says there is no charge for the diagnosis and eligibility assessment.
Next step
Read who the assessment is for, then ask your regional center for an eligibility assessment.
Early Start is California's early intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, or who are at risk, and for their families. DDS says services are statewide and family-centered.
Next step
Open the Early Start page and follow its directions to refer an infant or toddler.