What Is the Self-Determination Program? Eligibility, Services, and How It Works With ABA Therapy

The Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a California state-funded program that allows participants with developmental disabilities more freedom in their healthcare providers and services.

The care that SDP participants can receive includes medical, communal, and educational services. ABA therapy is a common service that SDP participants use their funds for. 

Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on the Self-Determination Program.

What Is the Self-Determination Program (SDP)?

In October 2013, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed SB 468 into law, which created the SDP. As of July 2021, SDP is available to eligible individuals receiving services from a Regional Center. 

California’s Self-Determination Program puts the power in the patient’s (or their proxy’s) hands. 

SDP gives patients more control over their health in five ways:

1. Freedom to plan their care: Participants can choose who helps them, where they live, and how their time is spent.
2. Authority: Participants have a budget and authority over how it’s spent to support their health (within the SDP rules).
3. Support: Participants choose what tools or services are needed to meet their goals. 
4. Responsibility: Participants are accountable for how their money is spent.
5. Confirmation: Participants are the ones who make the crucial decisions—not the Regional Center, not medical professionals, but the participant. 

SDP’s most significant benefit is that it allows people to pursue people-first care. 

What Is the Regional Center?

In California, the Regional Center is a nonprofit organization that helps people with developmental disabilities through numerous services and support. The Regional Center’s goal is to help people live healthy, fulfilling lives. 

For example, it may offer case management, help you access healthcare, or help with funding for services. 

The program also offers support for family members of those with developmental disabilities. 

What Is People-First Care?

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services defines people-first care as when the patient makes informed decisions about their treatment. They have a team of healthcare providers who work together (and listen to the patient) to create holistic care. 

Patients are given tools and services that align with their health goals—instead of what the provider thinks is best. This is not to say that providers won’t offer their professional opinion. It simply means that the patient gets the final say. 

Who Is Eligible for the Self-Determination Program?

According to California’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS), people are eligible for the Self-Determination Program if they:

1. Have a developmental disability as defined in Welfare and Institutions Code 4512.
2. Agree to the terms and conditions of the SDP.
3. Do not live in a licensed long-term health care facility.
4. Are three years old or older (children under three have different eligibility requirements).
5. Complete an SDP orientation.

What Services Can SDP Funding Be Used For?

According to California’s DDS, SDP funding can be used for services approved by the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that aren’t available through other funding sources. 

Is ABA Therapy Covered by SDP Funding?

Yes, ABA therapy is covered by SDP funding. ABA therapy is categorized as under “Behavior Intervention Services” in the Self-Determination Program for those with autism.

How Is the SDP Participant Budget Decided?

The SDP participant budget is determined by the Individualized Program Plan (IPP) team. They determine the budget based on the person’s needs and health goals.

Once a budget is decided, the participant (or their proxy) must come up with a financial plan to spend the SDP funds. 

The IPP team determines the budget in two ways:

1. Review Last Year’s Budget

The IPP budget is reviewed annually, and for those who have already been on the SDP, the team will compare historic budgets. From there, they will talk to the participant to see what changes (if any) are needed. 

For example, the participant may have made significant progress with physical therapy and no longer needs as many sessions, allowing for a budget reduction or reallocation to other services. 

Maybe there was a setback in the participant’s personal life that affected their ABA therapy progress, so they want to invest more money into therapy. This can come from other parts of the budget or by increasing the budget overall. 

2. Services Needed by the Participant

This method is for brand-new participants to the SDP. The IPP will speak with the participant and determine what services are needed to meet their health goals. From there, they will calculate the average cost for those services and how often they are needed.

However, unique needs will also be considered. Unique needs can include:

• Language preference
• Location of the service
• Support for behavioral/medical needs

Steps to Get Started with California’s Self-Determination Program

To get started with SDP, you need to:

1. Attend an SDP orientation, which can be done through an individual Center or through the statewide orientation by the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (How to register for an orientation).
2. Receive your certificate after attending and submit it to the Regional Center.
3. Work with the Regional Center to start transitioning into the Self-Determination Program.

Here is a list of Regional Centers in California.

How ABA Therapy Works Under the Self-Determination Program for Those with Autism

With Spectrum Behavioral Therapies, ABA therapy starts with an ABA assessment. From the results of the assessment, an individualized care plan is created based on the client’s needs. 

We work with people of all ages and will create an intervention plan that meets their health goals. Whether a client needs help with independent living, job training, or communication skills, we can help them learn and grow those skills. 

Family training is also available to help caregivers or parents better understand and support the client through the ABA therapy process. 

Our care team will work closely with the Regional Center to ensure not only that the IPP is met, but also that everything stays on budget. 

Our Programs

• Foundations (age 6–18)
• ABA in Schools
• Early Autism Services (age 0–3)
• ABA Therapy For Adults and Young Adults

How to Choose an ABA Provider Using SDP

You want to choose an ABA therapist who is not only highly qualified but also familiar with people-first care. 

You want an ABA provider who

• Focuses on the client: Your ABA provider should always have a “client-first” mindset. They should listen to what the client (or their proxies) says and create interventions that meet their goals. This means a customized plan for the client’s specific needs. 
• Communicates with other providers: People-first care often involves more than one provider, so your ABA therapist must be open to talking and cooperating with other health professionals. 
• Is empathetic: You want an ABA provider who offers compassionate care. This will ensure you get the level of care and respect that you or your loved one deserves.
• Is flexible: Your ABA provider should be able to adapt to any changes in your life, whether due to improvements or goal changes. An ABA intervention plan should always be able to adjust to your needs. 
• Includes families: If your family wants to be involved, the ABA provider should oblige. Whether that’s having the family be part of your sessions or providing them with training, having a full supportive team will ensure you reach your goals. 

ABA Provider Red Flags

Here are some signs that an ABA provider may not be for you. They:

• Won’t share your progress data: For both ABA therapy and people-first care, data collection and analysis are essential. You won’t be able to make informed decisions without this data. Additionally, you have a right to this data.
• Make recommendations before an ABA assessment: No trustworthy ABA provider will give you recommendations before assessing the client. A provider may mention typical methods, but they should be used only as examples, not as what will happen.
• Don’t involve family in the process: If an ABA therapist wants to permanently keep family members or caregivers out of sessions, that’s a red flag. A consistent, supportive environment is crucial for ABA success, including at home between sessions.
• Don’t listen to you: No healthcare provider should ignore your concerns regarding treatment. If something feels wrong, you say so, and you don’t automatically get an acknowledgment and a treatment change—find a new provider. The same goes if you feel like you are stagnating in your treatment.
• Show aggressive actions: While not outright abusive, actions such as raising one’s voice or forcing someone to sit in a chair are problematic. Not only is this not what ABA therapy should be like, but it also shows that the care team isn’t able to regulate their own emotions.
• Use punishment instead of reinforcement: A client should never be “punished” in ABA therapy. Instead, ABA therapists should use reinforcement techniques to guide the client away from maladaptive behaviors and into more positive ones.  

Choose Spectrum Behavioral Therapies as Your SDP ABA Provider

Joining the Self-Determination Program can seem overwhelming at first, but the Regional Center employees will help you each step of the way. When it comes to choosing your ABA therapy provider, choose Spectrum Behavioral Therapies. 

We offer customized, compassionate ABA interventions designed to meet your needs. We’ll work with you and the Regional Center to ensure you meet your health goals.