Four groups of people can get services under the Lanterman Act:

1. People who meet the Lanterman Act definition of developmental disability.^[1]Section 4512(a) and (l). These are people who have a substantial disability because of their cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, mental retardation, and other conditions closely related to mental retardation or that require similar treatment. A “substantial disability” is discussed at length in Chapter Two of this manual.
2. People who are at high risk of parenting a baby with a developmental disability. Parents and infants in this group may receive assessment services and preventive services.^[2]Sections 4642 and 4644.
3. Infants under age 3 and at high risk of becoming developmentally disabled. Parents and infants in this group may receive assessment services and preventive services. ^[3]Sections 4642 and 4644.
4. Children who are age 3 or 4 and may be “provisionally eligible.” This means they don’t qualify as having a “developmental disability.” But, with provisional eligibility, they can get full regional center services while they are 3- and 4-years-old. ^[4]Sec. 4512(a)(2) See Chapter Two for more on regional center eligibility.

People in the second and third categories above may receive assessment services and preventive services.