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Medicaid waivers for autism in California

Californians with a developmental disability — including autism — that began before age 18, is expected to be lifelong, and amounts to a 'substantial disability'. Eligibility is assessed by your Regional Center.

Main program
Regional Center services under the Lanterman Act
Typical wait
No waiting list — services are an entitlement
Administered by
Department of Developmental Services (DDS), through 21 Regional Centers
Age rules
The disability must have started before age 18 and be expected to continue indefinitely. Children under 3 are served through Early Start; eligibility is re-assessed at age 3.

How to get on the list

Find the Regional Center for your county on the DDS list and call them to request an eligibility assessment. They assign staff to complete the determination. If you're refused, you have appeal rights and Disability Rights California publishes a hearing packet.

Open the official California page →

Does autism qualify?

Autism is named directly in the Lanterman Act as a qualifying developmental disability. You do not need an intellectual disability diagnosis to qualify, which is a meaningful difference from most states.

How the waiting list works

There isn't one. Under the Lanterman Act, services for eligible people are an entitlement rather than a queue — the only state where this is true. The practical constraint is not waiting for a place but getting through eligibility determination and then negotiating what goes into your Individual Program Plan (IPP).

What it can pay for

  • Respite care
  • Behavioral services including ABA
  • Speech, occupational and physical therapy
  • Day programs and supported employment
  • Social and recreational supports
  • Independent and supported living

Other programs worth knowing

Early Start (under 3)

California's Part C early intervention program, also run through Regional Centers. Eligibility is re-assessed at age 3 under the stricter Lanterman criteria, so some children served by Early Start do not continue.

The 'generic services' rule

Regional Centers are the payer of last resort. You must first use services other agencies are legally responsible for — your school district, your health insurance, Medi-Cal. Families are often told 'no' when the answer is really 'not us first'.

Californiaproviders & resources →

Local help you can access now, while you wait.

Waivers explained →

What to do while you're on the list, and what to ask.

Sources · last checked August 2026

Waiting lists and eligibility rules change. Always confirm current details with the agency before making decisions. If something here is out of date, tell us.