A Parent’s Guide to the Self-Determination Program (SDP)

Did you know there’s a “secret menu” in the Regional Center? It’s called the Self-Determination Program (SDP)—a flexible way for families to take charge of their child’s services. Unlike traditional Regional Center services, SDP gives you control over how funds are used, allowing you to customize support to fit your child’s needs.

If you’ve never heard of SDP or want to know how it works, this guide will walk you through the basics, benefits, and how to enroll.

What is SDP?

The Self-Determination Program (SDP) is an alternative way for individuals receiving Regional Center services to manage their own support system. Instead of being assigned providers by the Regional Center, families can choose their own providers, customize their child’s services, and decide how to spend their budget.

SDP = More Choice & Flexibility

Unlike traditional Regional Center services, SDP lets you:

Choose your own providers (even if they are not vendored with the Regional Center)

Decide how your budget is spent based on your child’s unique needs

Customize services beyond what the Regional Center typically offers

No more paying out-of-pocket for recreational activities like swim lessons, gymnastics, or social groups—SDP provides the budget upfront!

Is SDP Part of the Regional Center?

Yes! But it operates differently.

Traditional Regional Center vs. SDP

Traditional Regional Center (RC)	Self-Determination Program (SDP)
The Regional Center assigns providers, and families must choose from an approved list.	Families can hire their own providers, even if they are not vendored with the Regional Center.
Services are limited to what’s available through the RC.	Families can create a customized plan that fits their child’s unique needs.
For recreational activities (like swim lessons or gymnastics), families often have to pay first and request reimbursement (if approved).	Families receive an approved budget upfront and can use it for both therapy and recreational activities without waiting for reimbursement.
Regional Center only funds therapies if insurance denies them.	Similar to RC—therapies that insurance should cover won’t be funded unless denied first.

Think of SDP as “choosing your own adventure”—but without the financial burden of waiting for reimbursements!

Why Choose SDP?

Many families switch to SDP because it offers:

More freedom & flexibility—You decide what’s best for your child.

Customized services that fit your child’s unique needs.

The ability to hire family members as caregivers.

No more paying upfront for services like swim lessons, art therapy, and social skills classes.

It’s not for everyone, but for many families, it’s a better fit!

How Do You Join SDP?

If you’re interested in SDP, follow these steps:

Step 1: Attend an SDP Orientation

Contact your Service Coordinator at your Regional Center and request an orientation.

Step 2: Create a Person-Centered Plan (PCP)

A Person-Centered Plan (PCP) helps identify your child’s strengths, goals, and needs. This is the foundation for creating a budget.

Step 3: (Optional) Work with an Independent Facilitator (IF)

An Independent Facilitator helps you navigate SDP, create a plan, and find providers. While optional, they can make the process much easier! I highly recommend working with an IF. Go to my resources page, and I have an IF listed there that I recommend.

Step 4: Get Your Budget Approved

The Regional Center will give you an individualized budget based on what your child has used in the past year.

Step 5: Start Choosing Services & Providers!

Once your budget is approved, you can begin using funds to pay for services that best support your child.

With SDP, your budget is ready to use—so you don’t have to cover costs upfront for recreational activities!

Is SDP Right for You?

Great for families who want more control & flexibility

Not ideal if you prefer the structure of traditional RC services

Key Differences:

If you don’t want to pay upfront for activities & wait for reimbursement, SDP is a better option.

BUT just like traditional RC, some therapies are only covered if insurance denies them.

Every family is different—knowing your options is key!

Final Thoughts

Most parents don’t even know SDP exists! If you’re curious about how it can benefit your child, ask your Service Coordinator about it today.

Every child deserves the right services—explore what’s best for yours!

Follow @AutisticBloom on Instagram & TikTok for more autism resources & SDP guidance!