Programs & Services
Autism
Services
Applied behavior analysis, diagnostic evaluations, and family support for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder in Wayne County.
Autism services are available to DWIHN members of all ages.
Understanding Autism
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects how a person's brain develops. Scientists are not sure what causes it yet. ASD can look different from person to person.
Someone with ASD may interact, behave, or communicate in ways that are different from others. Many people with ASD also have their own ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things around them.
ASD usually appears when a child is very young and continues throughout their life.
Learn how to get startedABA Therapy
What Is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a structured, research-based therapy that helps people learn important skills. It is often used to support children and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
ABA helps with communication, social skills, and reducing behaviors that may interfere with learning. Each person has an Individualized Intervention Plan and an ABA Plan of Care. These plans break big goals into small, simple steps that are easier to teach and learn.
Plans are based on each person's needs. Most people receive about 5 to 25 hours of therapy each week, depending on medical need. Services can take place at home, in a clinic, or in the community, based on what works best for the individual.
ABA also includes parents and caregivers training so they can support progress between sessions. The goal of ABA is to build helpful skills and improve behaviors needed for daily life and overall well-being.
ABA focuses on helping individuals improve:
- Language skills
- Social skills
- Learning and thinking skills
- Listening skills
- Classroom or daycare routines
- Self-help and daily living skills
Early Signs
Is my child at risk for autism?
Early warning signs can be spotted by 12 to 24 months of age. Watch for red flags such as:
- Lack of babbling or pointing at things
- Loss of speech or odd speech patterns like repeating words
- Intense interest in things that are not typically toys
- High sensitivity or indifference to sound, light, or texture
Taking Action
I've noticed some developmental differences, what should be our next step?
It is important to watch your child's development so you and your care team can help them grow and do their best. One way to do this is by visiting your child's pediatrician.
At each regular checkup, the doctor will ask questions about your child's development. These questions help show how your child is growing and learning. They also help find any areas where your child may need extra support.
If it has been a while since your child's last checkup and you still have concerns, you can talk to other people who know your child well.
This may include:
- Doctors or other medical providers
- Therapists
- Your child's teacher
They can help you decide if your child may need more support or an evaluation.
Getting Started
We're Here to Help
At DWIHN, there is "no wrong door" to begin the process of accessing autism services. A referral can be made to the DWIHN Access Call Center in multiple ways.
Family
Family or self-referral such as a parent, guardian, or other family member
Medical Providers
Primary care physicians, nurses, specialists, doctors
Treatment Providers
Speech pathologists, occupational therapists, mental health therapists
Education Providers
Teachers, early intervention or education providers
The Process
Here's What You Can Expect
Contact the DWIHN Access Call Center
When you call, the DWIHN Access Call Center will:
- Check your child's insurance status
- Complete a CMH screening
- Complete an autism screening tool
CMH Screening — helps determine whether your child should be connected with Support Coordination (SC), or Case Management (CM) services.
Autism Screening Tool — helps identify whether your child may show signs of ASD and may benefit from a formal evaluation.
If screening shows elevated signs of autism:
An evaluation appointment will be scheduled with one of our independent evaluation centers.
If screening does not show elevated signs:
Families may request another screening at a later time, or provide additional records or documents that show autism-related concerns.
Why These Appointments Matter
These appointments are the first step in connecting your child and family to the right services and supports. Both appointments must be completed, though they may happen in any order.
Support Coordination (SC) or Case Management (CM) Appointment
During this appointment, you will take part in Person-Centered Planning (PCP). This process will help create an Individualized Plan of Service (IPOS) based on your child's strengths, needs, and goals.
Evaluation Appointment
This appointment is used to determine whether your child qualifies for autism services. Based on the results, your family may receive referrals for ABA therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or other recommended supports.
Can ABA Therapy Help My Child?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is designed to support your child's unique developmental needs and help build important life skills.
To begin ABA services, families will work closely with their Support Coordinator (SC) or Case Manager (CM) to choose an ABA provider and schedule the next appointment.
- An initial ABA assessment will be completed.
- Information from the assessment will be used to create an individualized ABA Plan of Care.
- Treatment goals and recommended therapy hours will be based on your child's specific needs.
Finalize the Treatment Team and Begin Services
Once the ABA Plan of Care is completed, your child's Support Coordinator (SC) or Case Manager (CM) will meet with your family to review the recommended ABA goals and services. These services will then be added to your child's Individualized Plan of Service (IPOS).
- The family and ABA provider will work together to choose a therapy start date.
- Your treatment team will discuss next steps and ongoing support.
- Parent or caregiver participation and training will also be discussed.
Please Note: It may take up to 90 calendar days from the date of an autism diagnosis to begin one-to-one ABA therapy services.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Autism Services
-
Many Michigan insurance plans are required to cover medically necessary autism services. Coverage may include:
- Diagnostic evaluations
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
- Speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Other medically necessary behavioral health services
Coverage and authorization requirements may vary depending on the insurance plan.
-
Medicaid autism services are generally available for individuals under 21 years of age when services are medically necessary.
-
Contact the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) Access Call Center to learn about available services and supports for your child. Staff can answer questions, explain the process, and help connect your family to the next steps.
Phone: 1-800-241-4949
-
Start by talking with your child's pediatrician or primary care doctor. You can also speak with teachers, therapists, or other providers who know your child well.
If needed, you may contact DWIHN to request a screening for autism services.
-
Early warning signs can be spotted by 12 to 24 months of age. If you notice red flags such as lack of babbling, pointing at things, loss of speech or odd attempts at speaking like repeating words, intense interest in things that are not typically toys, or high sensitivity or indifference to sound, light, or texture, speak with your child's doctor.
-
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a structured, research-based therapy that helps individuals build important life skills. ABA may help improve:
- Communication skills
- Social skills
- Daily living skills
- Following routines and directions
- Learning and attention skills
Services are individualized based on each child's strengths and needs.
-
ABA services may be provided at home, in a clinic, in the community, or in school and daycare settings when appropriate. Service locations are based on the child's needs and the provider's recommendations.
-
The timeline can vary depending on provider availability, scheduling, insurance authorization, and completion of required appointments. In some cases, it may take up to 90 calendar days from the date of diagnosis to begin one-to-one ABA therapy services.
-
Yes. Parent and caregiver involvement is an important part of treatment. Families may receive training and support to help continue skill-building and progress between therapy sessions.
-
Even if your child does not qualify for autism services, they may still qualify for other supports or services based on their individual needs. Your care team can help discuss other options and recommendations that may benefit your child and family.
-
If your child does not qualify for Medicaid, you may look into private insurance options or inquire about the Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) Program.
Resources
Autism Education and Supports Services
Evidence-Based Practice & Research Information
ASD Training & Certification Resources
- Autism Internet Modules (AIM) No Cost
- Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules (AFIRM) No Cost
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
- Michigan Alliance for Families Webinars
- The Autism Certification Center No Cost
- Detroit Wayne Connect Virtual Center
- Western Michigan University - Autism Center of Excellence
Additional Educational Resources
Federal & State
Downloads
ASD Forms, Guidelines, and Tools
Ready to take the next step?
Our team is here to help you navigate autism services and find the right support for your child and family.