Receiving a Diagnosis
Often times Insurance companies and other service providers require that your child receive an autism diagnosis prior to receiving services. There are several ways for you to obtain a diagnosis for your child.
School Districts:
Public School Systems are mandated as a part of their federal funding to provide services such as physical therapy, speech and language services, audiology services, psychological services, and more. If your child qualifies for special education services, the school is required to develop and Individualized Education Program (IEP). This plan is developed by meeting with the child’s parents/caregivers, teachers, and other professionals who work with your child.
Even with a previous diagnosis, many school districts conduct an evaluation of your child to determine the child’s current abilities, skills and needs. The testing results and with input from parents and other people directly related to the educational goals are used to write the IEP. Based on the IEP, the school determines what services are needed to provide your child with a least restrictive learning environment and the best possible outcome for academic and social growth.
Saginaw County Community Mental Health (SCCMH):
SCCMH is an income based mental health facility that can provide diagnostic services if families fall within SCCMH financial guidelines. In addition, they can provide many other services for children with autism that fall within their income guidelines.
Psychiatrist:
you may choose to have your child diagnosed through a Licensed Psychiatrist. If you cannot find a one in your area, please contact us at (989)702-2082, we may be able ot assist you further.
Approved Diagonistic Autism Centers:
Some insuance companies such as Blue Cross Blue Sheild of Michigan (BCBSM) or Blue Care Network (BCN) require that you have your child diagnosed at an approved Autism Diagnostic Center. To find the approved center closest to you visit the Blue Cross website.
Place for Grace
A Place for Grace is a for profit daycare center founded by a mother of a special needs child. They specialize in caring for children with special needs. They provide full and part-time day care and after school care for children ages 0-16. They are not income based; however, there are grants available for those who have difficulty paying for care. There hours of operation are from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm. The Childcare Center is located at 4790 Gratiot Road, Saginaw, Michigan.
For more information contact Jenny Dumont at 989-607-1741.
You can visit their site at http://www.aplaceforgracechildcare.org
If for some reason you are unable to receive services through Spectrum Autism Center, there are several other providers in the area that offer both center based and home based treatments and services for individuals with autism.
For a list of providers in your area, please visit The Autism Alliance of Michigan’s Neighborhood Directoy at http://autismallianceofmichigan.org/navtool/
Individual with Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A.) Services
Public School Systems are mandated as a part of their federal funding to provide services such as physical therapy, speech and language services, audiology services, psychological services, and more. If your child qualifies for special education services, the school is required to develop and Individualized Education Program (IEP). This plan is developed by meeting with the child’s parents/caregivers, teachers, and other professionals who work with your child.
Even with a previous diagnosis, many school districts conduct an evaluation of your child to determine the child’s current abilities, skills and needs. The testing results and with input from parents and other people directly related to the educational goals are used to write the IEP. Based on the IEP, the school determines what services are needed to provide your child with a least restrictive learning environment and the best possible outcome for academic and social growth.
Education Act (Idea) Part C – (Ages 0 – 3 Years) – Early On
Early On is funded through Part C of IDEA. They offer coordination of services for special needs children ages 0-3 years. Parents or caregivers may fill out an online application for services. If eligible, Early On will assign a case coordinator that will help develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan will include specific information regarding intervention recommendations as well as referrals for support and services from the school district and within the community that may be beneficial to the client. An application for services is available at Early On Michigan https://1800earlyon.org/online_referral.php. Parents and caregivers may also phone or email Early On for more information at 1-800-327-5966 or
Part B of IDEA – Services for School-aged Children (including preschoolers)
Your child will soon be eligible for services mandated from part B of IDEA. Listed below are services that will be available to your child through the Intermediate School District when he or she reaches their 3rd birthday.
HeadStart (Preschool)
As a part of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Michigan school systems offer parents of special needs children the opportunity to participate in HeadStart, a school readiness program for children age 3 to 5. The program is designed to prepare children for Kindergarten, help to promote health, nutrition and enhance social skills. The program is income based. To learn more information regarding the HeadStart programs in your area visit http://michheadstart.org/locator or contact them at 517-374-6478.,
Kindergarten – 12th Grade
As part of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Michigan schools provide a variety of services for children who “age” out of services provided by Early On and Head Start. Services are provided for students up to age 25.
To learn more information regarding the Michigan Special Education System visit the Michigan Department of Education at http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-6530_6598—,00.html or contact them at 517-373-0923.
For people who qualify, a multitude of services can be obtained through the their local Community Mental Health Authority.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) through their Community Mental Health Services Programs provides a large array of services for clients who are diagnosed as having autism and other co-morbid conditions. Their goal is to assist families and clients in planning and developing person centered plans to enhance the quality of lives for their clients.
Some treatments and services include but are not limited to: Diagnostic Services, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Respite Services and in some cases, financial assistance. – SCCMHA contracts respite services through several different employment agencies. To find out more about their programs, visit their website at http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,4612,7-132-2941_4868_4899—,00.html or contact them at 517-335-9030.
Financial Assistance
Michigan Department of Community Mental Health
There may be some funding available to families through their local Departments of Community Mental Health. To find out more information regarding eligibility and available financial assistance, visit their website at http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,4612,7-132-2941_4868_4899—,00.html or contact them at 517-335-9030.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Parents or caregivers of children from 0 to age 18 with disabilities may apply for and receive SSI benefits. The child must have a physical or mental disability that precludes them from typical everyday activities. The disability must be expected to last at least one year. They are eligible to receive SSI if they have a confirmed disability however; family income and other sources of income are calculated when making a determination. To find out more about SSI eligibility and how to apply, visit http://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/
Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – Medicaid and the CHIP program are free or low-cost health insurance programs funded and ran jointly by federal and state governments. The eligibility for Medicaid has changed as a result of state programs under the Affordable Care Act. To see if you qualify, you can apply for Medicaid visit Healthcare.gov at https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/childrens-health-insurance-program/
MIChild – is an insurance program using funds authorized under Title XXI of the Social Security Act that is designed to cover a variety of medical and dental services for children in the state of Michigan. It is designed to help cover children regardless of disabilities who may not receive health care insurance through Medicaid or other private insurances. It is income based, however, the income guideline is 195% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL). MIChild covers children 0-19. Effective April 1, 2013, MIChild began covering ABA therapy for children on the autism spectrum. To check to see if your family qualifies, call 1-888-988-6300 or visit their site at http://www.michigan.gov/mibridges. (See attached MIChild Flyer)
Healthcare Market Place (a.k.a Obamacare) – if you are not eligible for Medicaid or MI-Child, and do not have insurance, you may be able to afford insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The act mandates that insurance companies must offer insurance to all individuals regardless of pre-existing conditions. Current law mandates that all U.S. citizens enroll in health care if they can afford it or face penalties. There are some exceptions to this rule which can be found on their website. The U.S. Government may offer subsidies to help offset the cost of insurance based on income. Most people have to enroll for coverage during open enrollment, but there are some exceptions. To find out more about the Affordable Care Act and how to enroll, visit http://www.healthcare.gov, or call 1-800-318-2596 / TTY: 1-855-889-4325
Other Resources
Michigan Alliance for Families
Michigan Alliance for Families is a resource center for parents that is provided to Families with children who have special needs. There services are provided from a grant funded by IDEA. They work with many agencies across the State of Michigan and may be able to connect you directly with a needed service provider and contact person in your area.
To learn more about the services provided by Michigan Alliance for Families, visit www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org or call 800-552-4821
Autism Society of Michigan
The Autism Society of Michigan (ASM) is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency that assists individuals with autism spectrum disorder, their family members and professionals who support them. In addition to helping families find resources in their area, the Autism Society of Michigan provides education consultation, technical assistance to schools, and present specialized trainings to educators and others. Visit their site at http://www.autism-mi.org/. or call them at (517) 882-2800.