Funding Guidelines for Intensive Intervention Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Lanterman Regional Center recognizes that children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders have pervasive, and severe disturbances in development. Further, recent research indicates that significant benefits may be derived in some children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, when intervention is intensive in nature. While such intensive intervention has been largely pioneered using "discrete trial" training, a wide variety of interventions have proven effective in meeting the developmental needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Such successful interventions include (but are not limited to) communication therapies, sensory integration, behavior modification, behavioral parent training, discrete trial training, inclusion programming, and neighborhood preschool program consultation.

Intervention which addresses the individual and intensive needs of the child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder is funded under the following guidelines:

1. Before any ongoing service is authorized, it must be supported by an assessment from a professional
   trained in that discipline.
   
2. The combination of services and service intensities will be recommended by the Interdisciplinary Team developing the IFSP and agreed upon by the parent, authorized representative, and regional center pursuant to the California Early Intervention Services Act.
   
3. Parents must demonstrate the willingness and the capacity to participate in interventions as directed by the service provider(s).
   
4. The intervention or combination of interventions may range up to a total of 30 hours per week for children between the ages of 18 and 36 months diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
   
5. Individual funding authorizations will not exceed four months. All programs will be reviewed to monitor progress relative to goals listed in the IFSP and to assure the appropriateness of interventions. The first progress report shall be submitted in the fourth month of intervention and quarterly thereafter. Reauthorization of services is contingent upon demonstrated progress towards stated objectives.
   
6. For children aged three and above, the local education agency is considered to be the primary provider for education and related services as a part of the client's primary program. All services for children older than three years of age may be authorized as an exception to policy.

ADOPTED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS: AUGUST, 1998