You are intitled to receive services that help you and your family to survive and thrive. Some of these services are not explained properly to new parents. I struggled for 10 years before I finally learned what I had available to me. 

Here is a check list of what you should be receiving at the point of the diagnosis (that changed your life and the dynamic of your family):

1. Regional Center: This is where you have a developmental evaluation performed at no cost to you. Once you receive a diagnosis, the center will give you certain benefits that are designed to relieve financial burdens from families. One of these services is a California Medical Waiver. This waiver makes it to where your income is not considered for Medi-Cal approval. Once approved for Medi-Cal, you can request In Home Support Services, then be paid to be your child's caretaker. Depending on the severity of the disability, you can be given enough hours to replace a current full time job with overtime. 
2. Respite Care: The regional Center refers you to an agency who gives you an allotted number of free childcare hours in your home. This is designed to aid you in running errands or simply taking a break. 
3. Music Therapy- NEW! Regional Center now covers a music therapist, at a center, where your child can flourish through music and learning. 
4. California Children's Services: This organization covers mobility and therapeutic equipment, as well as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Group Therapy.  

There are hundreds of services that are available at no cost to you. If you would like to have a personalized consultation, please call 619-358-0405