Autism Resources in Anaheim, California

Anaheim sits in one of California's strongest autism-services regions — and California itself works differently from most states. Under the Lanterman Act, Californians with a qualifying developmental disability including autism are legally entitled to lifelong services through a Regional Center, not placed on a Medicaid-waiver waitlist. For Anaheim and Orange County, that entry point is the Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC). The region also holds a major clinical asset in CHOC's Thompson Autism & Neurodevelopmental Center. This guide walks through what's available to Anaheim families: diagnosis, therapy, schools, community and sensory-friendly activities, and how California's funding programs actually work.