Special Education and Related Services in California (San Diego County)
There are many services available to children who are showing delays. It can be overwhelming to know what kind of services your child may need or could benefit from. Here are some examples of services a child could potentially receive:
Applied Behavior Analysis (typically called “ABA”): A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and/or behavioral interventionist will work with your child on developing any skills of deficit that may be contributing to the presence of challenging behaviors. An assessment will be conducted to determine appropriate skills that will help your child improve their functional communication, play skills, social interactive skills, and independence skills. BCBAs observe and work with children to determine what “function” an individual’s behaviors serve and then they teach the individual to more appropriately get their needs met. For example, if a child tantrums to get access to toys or preferred items, they will teach the child to functionally communicate for what they want so they will no longer need to tantrum. The BCBA may want to see your child on more than one day or in different environments to conduct their initial assessment. They will do a combination of interacting directly with your child and asking you questions about his or her behavior or development. For children under 3, this service may be referred to as “Early Intervention” or “Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention.”
Who Benefits from this service: Any young child showing delays in areas related to autism (communication, social and play skills, behavior) may be referred for ABA services. Older children who are displaying challenging behaviors such as aggression, tantrums or repetitive behaviors may also be referred for services. A child may be referred for services if they have a sibling who has a diagnosis of autism and is showing signs of delays in any areas.
Speech and Language Therapy (typically called “Speech”): Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) work with children on developing speech and language skills. Speech refers to the specific structure of words being formed that a child uses. It can refer to articulation and formation of words and sounds. Language refers to the way words are used and how a child communicates to get their needs met, during play and in social situations. An SLP would be assigned to work with you child. An assessment would be conducted in which the SLP may ask you about how your child uses language and how you interpret their needs. They may play with your child with toys and observe how they use toys or involve others in their play (or just interact socially with an older child). They may also conduct more structured assessments where they ask you or your child specific questions and record answers. The SLP will analyze their observations and findings to determine if your child is showing a delay. If they show enough of a delay that warrants services, they will request the service from the funding source (insurance, Regional Center, school). Who benefits from this service: Children who are showing delays in expressive (speaking or outwardly communicating) and/or receptive language (showing understanding).
Occupational Therapy (typically called “OT”): Occupational Therapists (OTs) work on developing fine motor and sensory regulation skills in your child. They may also focus on the reduction of challenging behaviors. Fine motor skills are those that your child does with his or her hands. This may include self-help skills, such as using utensils, dressing, or playing with toys. OTs can also work on chewing and swallowing, choking and other issues related to feeding.
Who benefits from this service: Children who are showing delays in their fine motor skills, show feeding issues, have sensory sensitivities or other behavioral regulation issues may benefit from OT.
Physical Therapy and Adapted Physical Education (typically referred to as “PT” and “APE”): Physical Therapists (PTs) and Adapted Physical Education (APE) teachers work on the development of gross motor skills, or large body movement skills. They may work on seating and position, ability to sit, crawl, walk or participate in other motor activities, such as using balls, accessing physical structures such as stairs, ramps and play structures, transferring positions (from sitting to standing), and building strength. APE typically place in the social setting of school. Physical Therapy can be conducted in a medical setting or an educational setting. Education PT focuses on supporting a child in functionally navigating their educational environment and maintaining safety in the school environment. Who benefits from these services: Children who are showing delays in their use of gross motor skills, navigating environment, or are displaying safety concerns that stem from poor motor control may benefit from one or both of these services.
Special Education Services (SPED): Special Education Services are delivered typically in a school setting. For younger learners (under 3), they may be delivered in a home setting. Services are delivered from a credentialed Special Education teacher, who has special training in working with students with special needs. The teacher will likely be supported by paraprofessionals who are not credentialed teachers, but have some training in special education services. Services may take place in a general education environment (where most students do not have special needs), in self contained special education classrooms (where most students have special needs), or in mixed environments. Many students who receive special education services in the schools will have services in multiple environments within the school setting. Who benefits from these services: Children who are showing delays in academics or show delays in areas that affect their ability to learn in a general environment without supports.
Click the links below for specific information on accessing services for different age groups.
