Sample · Example family
Sample Roadmap
A pre-built example for a 7-year-old with ASD Level 2 in Los Angeles County. Your roadmap will be personalized to your family.
Sam's roadmap — starting fresh in Los Angeles County
Your family is at the very beginning of a long, supportive road. These are options families like yours often start with — in the order that many find helpful. Take it one step at a time.
Next steps
- 1Give yourself a breath
A new diagnosis is a lot to hold. Before any paperwork, many families find it helps to name the feelings — with a partner, a friend, or a therapist. Nothing urgent has to happen this week.
- 2Start Regional Center enrollment
In California, your Regional Center coordinates services for people with developmental disabilities. For Los Angeles County, families often begin with Frank D. Lanterman, Harbor, or Westside Regional Center depending on address.
- 3Request an IEP evaluation from Sam's school district
You may submit a written request to the district's Special Education office asking for a comprehensive evaluation. The district generally has 15 days to respond with an assessment plan.
- 4Listen to 'First 90 Days After Diagnosis'
A short warm episode that walks through the earliest priorities. Many families find it grounding in the first weeks.
- 5Learn about therapy options — without committing yet
Your family may want to explore ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. There's no rush to choose. Start by understanding what each does.
For a 7-year-old with an ASD Level 2 diagnosis, families in Los Angeles County often begin exploring speech, occupational, and behavioral therapies. These are options to explore — not a prescription. Your child's team can help you decide what fits.