Finding the right california autism education resources for a child with autism in California can feel overwhelming. The state has a wide range of organizations offering everything from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and social skills groups to parent training, school-based support, and advocacy services. Some focus specifically on children, while others serve individuals across the lifespan.
For families searching for guidance, knowing where to start is half the battle. Whether the need is direct therapy, classroom support, caregiver education, or help navigating the system, California has options worth exploring.
How This List Was Formed
The organizations included here were selected based on their presence in California, the scope of education-related services they provide for individuals with autism and their families, staff credentials, evidence-based practices, and accessibility across multiple regions.
- Autism Behavior Services, Inc.
Founded in 2010 by Dr. Rosa Patterson, Psy.D, BCBA, LBA, QBA, Autism Behavior Services, Inc. provides ABA therapy, social skills groups, parent training, school-based services, assessments, consultation, and corporate training across multiple California locations. The organization takes a person-first, whole-family approach and certifies all Behavior Technicians with CPR and ABAT or RBT credentials before they begin working with families. Services are available for individuals from toddlers through adulthood, and free consultations are offered statewide.
Highlights:
- One-to-one ABA therapy in home, clinic, school, and community settings
- Social skills groups from preschool through adulthood
- Parent training tailored to each family’s needs
- In-network with most major California insurance plans
- The Help Group
Based in Los Angeles, The Help Group is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the country dedicated to serving individuals with autism and other developmental needs. It operates specialized schools, therapy programs, and transition services, with a strong focus on education and social development for school-age children and young adults.
Highlights:
- Specialized day schools for students with autism
- After-school and summer programs
- Vocational and transition services for young adults
- Easterseals Southern California
Easterseals Southern California offers a broad range of services for individuals with autism and other disabilities, including ABA therapy, early intervention programs, day services, and employment support. The organization serves families across multiple Southern California counties and emphasizes community-based support.
Highlights:
- Early intervention and ABA therapy programs
- Adult day services and employment training
- Multiple locations across Southern California
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)
CARD is one of the largest ABA therapy providers in the world, with numerous locations throughout California. The organization offers individualized ABA programs, diagnostic assessments, and skill-building services for children and adolescents with autism. CARD also provides training and resources for families and professionals.
Highlights:
- Large network of California clinics
- Diagnostic and assessment services
- Research-driven ABA programming
- Pacific Child & Family Associates
Pacific Child & Family Associates provides ABA therapy and behavioral health services across the greater Los Angeles area. The organization focuses on individualized therapy plans for children with autism and offers parent education as a core part of its service model.
Highlights:
- Home-based and clinic-based ABA services
- Parent training and caregiver coaching
- Serving the greater Los Angeles region
- Intercare Therapy
Intercare Therapy is a California-based ABA provider with offices across Southern California. The organization offers one-to-one ABA therapy, social skills training, and parent education. Intercare places a strong emphasis on therapist training and professional development within its team.
Highlights:
- ABA therapy in home, clinic, and school settings
- Social skills groups and parent education
- Strong focus on staff training and retention
- Autism Society of California
The Autism Society of California serves as an advocacy and information resource for families across the state. While it does not provide direct therapy, it connects families with local providers, educational resources, support groups, and legislative updates related to autism services and rights in California.
Highlights:
- Statewide advocacy and awareness
- Resource directories for families seeking providers
- Information on California autism legislation and rights
- Trumpet Behavioral Health
Trumpet Behavioral Health provides ABA therapy across several states, including California. The organization offers center-based and in-home therapy for children with autism, along with caregiver training and school consultation services. Programs are designed by BCBAs and focus on skill development and independence.
Highlights:
- Center-based and in-home ABA programs
- Caregiver training and school support
- Individualized therapy plans supervised by BCBAs
- UCLA PEERS Program
The UCLA PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) program is a research-based social skills intervention for adolescents and young adults with autism. Developed at UCLA, the program focuses on teaching practical social skills like making friends, handling conflict, and navigating social situations. It is one of the most widely studied social skills programs in the country.
Highlights:
- Evidence-based social skills curriculum
- Programs for teens and young adults
- Strong research backing from UCLA
- Rethink Behavioral Health
Rethink Behavioral Health offers technology-driven ABA services, including a digital platform that provides families and educators with video-based training, therapy tracking tools, and direct ABA therapy. The organization partners with schools and employers across California to expand access to autism support through digital resources.
Highlights:
- Digital platform for parent and educator training
- Direct ABA therapy services
- Partnerships with schools and employers statewide
How to Choose the Best Resource
Every family’s needs are different. When evaluating options, consider what type of support is most needed right now. Is it direct therapy? School-based help? Parent education? Advocacy and navigation?
Ask providers about staff credentials, how therapy plans are individualized, how progress is measured, and whether they coordinate with schools and other professionals. Check whether they are in-network with your insurance plan and whether consultations are offered at no cost.
It also helps to talk with other families in the area. Local parent support groups and online communities often share firsthand experiences that can guide decision-making.
