Following is a step by step guide that may help make the road smoother and answer questions you hadn’t anticipated yet. You may always reach us at 517-220-0306 or AS.GreaterDetroit@gmail.com
Step 1: Receiving an official diagnosis of autism.
An autism evaluation must be made by a psychologist, psychiatrist or developmental pediatrician. We have contact phone numbers for providers on our website. You may be eligible for therapies with your insurance provider or through CMH.
Step 2: Check with your health insurance provider on eligibility for autism therapies.
Become familiar with all the different types of therapy and programs available in your area so that you can decide what will work best. Some therapies you many consider are:
Step 3: Contact Community Mental Health Services for state-funded services.
You can find training for support staff, housing support & options, and county services. Mental health services in Michigan are coordinated through local Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs), which will usually authorize therapy services. Click here for an alphabetical list of local CMHSPs. The list includes contact information for your local program.
Website: Community Mental Health Services (michigan.gov)
Step 4: Ensure your child is set up for academic success.
When your child is of school age, you have the right to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) with your public-school district that is designed to meet the needs of your child. Every child has the right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates a public education for all eligible children and makes the schools responsible for providing the supports and services that will allow this to happen.
Website: Student Advocacy Center of Michigan
Learn about Inclusive transportation for students with Disabilities. Website: Transfinder
Step 5: Apply for Social Security
Reach out to a Benefit Advocate and learn about how to apply for Social Security and what to expect during and after the process.
We suggest you start here: Social Security Disability Guide. You can learn more by reviewing the resources on All About Social Security page.
Step 6: Get involved.
Reach out for support groups of programs for your child. Do not hesitate to reach out to us here at ASGD for opportunities to get integrated into the Autism community from playgroups to adult social clubs.
Other supportive MI organizations include:
CONTACT
Autism Society of Greater Detroit
Po Box 3113 - Center Line, MI 48015
CONNECT
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