Your child is still the same child you loved yesterday.

Begin with information, not urgency.

A diagnosis can feel like an instruction to act immediately. Early support can be valuable, but informed decisions matter too. Take time to understand the evaluation, talk with people you trust, and notice what your child and family need right now.

1. Request the complete evaluation.
   Keep the report, diagnostic codes, recommendations, and provider contact information together.
2. Write down your questions.
   You will hear new terms. A running list keeps you from needing to remember everything at once.
3. Name your child’s strengths.
   Support planning should begin with the whole child: interests, communication, comfort, relationships, and joy.
4. Choose one next call.
   Depending on age and need, that may be your health plan, regional center, pediatrician, or local school district.

Different systems do different jobs.

Families often assume that medical, school, insurance, and regional center services are one connected system. They are not. You may need to contact each separately, and eligibility in one does not automatically create eligibility in another.

Open our verified California resource directory →

You are a member of your child’s education team.

Children ages 3 through 21 may be eligible for special education services through their local school system. You can request an evaluation in writing, participate in meetings, share outside reports, ask questions, and receive notices about proposed or refused changes.

Before a meeting

• Write a one-page snapshot of strengths, interests, communication, and current concerns.
• List the routines or parts of the school day that seem hardest.
• Bring outside evaluations or reports you want the team to consider.
• Write your top three questions and the outcomes you hope to discuss.

During a meeting

• Ask the team to explain unfamiliar terms in plain language.
• Connect each proposed goal or service to an identified educational need.
• Ask how progress will be measured and how often you will receive updates.
• Request time to review documents if you do not feel ready to decide.

Ask for details before you agree to care.

Coverage varies by plan, even within the same insurance company. Call the number on your insurance card and ask for behavioral health or autism benefits. Take notes, including the representative’s name and a reference number.

Questions to ask your plan

• Is ABA covered under this specific plan, and is a formal diagnosis required?
• Do I need a referral, preauthorization, or updated diagnostic evaluation?
• Which providers are in network and currently accepting new clients?
• What deductible, copay, coinsurance, or visit limits apply?
• Are caregiver training, telehealth, school, or community-based sessions covered?

Kelton Company can help verify benefits for families considering services, but your health plan makes the final coverage determination.

Start with your family’s goals—not a therapy label.

Your child may benefit from one or more supports, such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, mental health care, parent coaching, social or recreational programs, school services, or ABA. A service is useful when it is individualized, respectful, and connected to meaningful life outcomes.

Green flags in any provider

• They ask about your child’s strengths, preferences, communication, and comfort.
• They explain recommendations, alternatives, expected benefits, and possible burdens.
• They welcome caregiver questions and respect informed consent.
• Goals prioritize safety, access, communication, relationships, and independence.
• They measure progress and change course when the plan is not helping.

See seven questions to ask an ABA provider →

A one-folder family organizer.

Create one paper binder or digital folder with these sections. You can build it slowly.