Lanterman – 3 Years of Age and Older

Services Content

Request additional information about Lanterman services (3 years of age and older), including applying, from an Intake Specialist

Regional Center eligibility criteria are defined by law, in Section 4512 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code.

Diagnoses that may qualify a person for Regional Center services include the following developmental disabilities:

• Autism
• Cerebral Palsy
• Intellectual Disability
• Epilepsy
• Conditions closely related to, or that require treatment similar to, that required for an intellectual disability

In addition, to qualify for Regional Center services, a person’s developmental disability must:

• originate prior to age 18
• be expected to continue indefinitely
• be a substantial disability as defined by Title 17, Section 54001 of the California Code of Regulations, meaning the person experiences significant limitations in three or more of the following areas:
  • self-care
  • language
  • learning
  • mobility
  • self-direction
  • capacity for independent living
  • economic self-sufficiency

(This definition does not include any handicapping condition that is solely psychiatric, solely a learning disability, or solely physical in nature.)

• Solely psychiatric disorders: Where there is impaired intellectual or social functioning which originated as a result of the psychiatric disorder or treatment given for such a disorder. Such psychiatric disorders include psycho-social deprivation and/or psychosis, severe neurosis, or personality disorders even where social and intellectual functioning has become seriously impaired as an integral manifestation of the disorder.
• Solely learning disabilities: A learning disability is a condition that manifests as a significant discrepancy between estimated cognitive potential and actual level of educational performance and which is not a result of generalized intellectual disability, educational or psycho-social deprivation, psychiatric disorder, or sensory loss.
• Solely physical in nature: These conditions include congenital anomalies or conditions acquired through disease, accident, or faulty development which are not associated with a neurological impairment that results in a need for treatment similar to that required for intellectual disability. Some examples are polio, muscular dystrophy, or arthritis.

In addition to meeting eligibility criteria, to qualify for services through the Regional Center of Orange County the individual must reside in Orange County. If the individual lives in a county other than Orange, you can find the local Regional Center using this directory.

Video Series: Determining Eligibility (Ages 3 and Older)

Lanterman Standardized Information Packet – A Guide to California’s Regional Center System – WIC Section 4642(a)(4)(B)

The Standardized Information Packet provides an overview of the regional center system for individuals seeking services offered under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (WIC Sections 4400-4906). Additionally, the information packet provides a resource guide for individuals and their families on individuals’ rights, contact information for their local regional center, the Department, the Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy, and the federally designated protection and advocacy agency (WIC Sections 4900-4906). For additional information, visit the DDS website.

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