"I'll Do It Later" — Why Later Never Comes

When I first heard about SDP (Self-Determination Program), I was excited. "We can direct our own budget." "We can choose services that fit our child more freely."

And yet, strangely, I didn't start right away after learning about it. Does that sound familiar?

Part 1. Five Points Where Families Stall on SDP

It's not that families lack information. They stall because the structure is changing.

1. The orientation hurdle

• You have to attend on a set schedule
• And after it, another step is waiting
• → It becomes "I'll do it later."

2. Hearing you need an IF

• "I have to find someone myself?" "Who, and how?"
• → Suddenly it feels like something only experts can do.

3. Not knowing what an FMS is

• Budget management? Taxes? Payroll? Timesheets?
• What if I make a mistake?
• → When something looks complicated, the mind freezes.

4. Fear of making mistakes

• In Traditional services, the system moves for you
• In SDP, it feels like you have to move everything yourself
• → It becomes "I just don't have the energy right now."

5. "We're already so busy…"

• School, therapy, housework, work
• SDP looks like a good program
• But not like something you could start right now.

Part 2. One Common Misconception

Many families think, "You have to be fully prepared before you can start SDP." In reality, you can start small.

• Checking orientation dates
• Listing the services you receive now
• Writing down "the one thing I'd really like to change"

You can do this in 10 minutes today.

Part 3. A 10-Minute Step You Can Take Today

I'm not saying you should switch to SDP right now. The idea is just to move one square forward from where you're stuck. Write down the services you receive now.

Then add just one line at the end: "If I could change only one of these, which would it be?" That question is where SDP begins.

Part 4. "Not Right Now" Is Also a Choice

To be honest, SDP isn't something every family needs right now. If Traditional services are working, your relationship with your SC is fine, and you're satisfied with your services, there's no reason to switch.

SDP makes sense when there's something Traditional services can't solve for you. And you can start SDP later, or try it and return to Traditional if it isn't a good fit.

What matters is figuring out whether "later" comes from not having enough information — or whether now truly isn't the right time.

Part 5. How It Felt for Me

When I first learned about SDP, I thought, "This sounds great… but isn't it too complicated?" It turned out I hadn't stopped because it was complicated — I stopped because it was unfamiliar. Once I understood the structure, the vague fear slowly eased.

Three Common Misunderstandings

Myth 1. "The sooner you start SDP, the better."

Not necessarily. Starting without preparation can actually be confusing. It's not too late to start after you understand the program and have sorted out what your child needs.

Myth 2. "Everyone around me is doing it — should I too?"

Use what others say as a reference only. Every family's situation is different. SDP is a good fit for some families, and Traditional is a good fit for others.

Myth 3. "Once we start, services will change right away."

Orientation → PCP → budget → Spending Plan approval often takes several months. Deciding to start doesn't mean change happens immediately.

Wrap-Up

SDP is less a program that requires courage and more one that requires time to understand its structure. In the next guide, we'll look at three things you can do right now while you wait for orientation.

Further Reading

• DDS Self-Determination Program
• SCDD SDP information (including orientation)

Please note

This guide is general information for California families new to developmental disability services. It is not legal or medical advice. Rules and procedures can change, so please confirm current details with DDS and your regional center or your service coordinator (SC).