
Listed below are resources provided by families in the Autism Acceptance Group. Mimi’s Mission has no direct affiliation with those listed and offers no guarantee of service. The organizations and resources listed were included because an autistic individual or family member within the Autism Acceptance Group has had a positive and helpful experience with them.
*PDFs of each resource section are available for download at the bottom of the page
Financial Resources
MiABLE Account
The Michigan Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE Act) allows for savings accounts to be used for spending on education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, assistive technology and personal support services, health, prevention and wellness, financial management, legal fees and other expenses.
Money in an ABLE account is exempt from being counted against an individual when determining financial eligibility for assistance programs (such as Social Security Disability Income, Medicaid, or Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program).
What are ABLE Accounts? – ABLE National Resource Center
Children’s Special Health Care Services
Children’s Special Health Care Services – MDHHS
This Michigan state-funded government program helps pay for any physiological medical conditions or diseases that your child may have aside from autism. They DO NOT cover autism related services; for example, if your child also has an additional medical condition, medical procedures, services, medical equipment, etc. may be covered by this program.
Children With Special Needs Fund
https://www.michigan.gov/csnfund
The Michigan Children with Special Needs Fund (CSN Fund) is a privately-funded program within Michigan’s Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) program. The CSN Fund was created to help children with special health care needs when other funding sources are not available. The Fund is managed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and staffed by state employees. Working together with CSHCS, local health departments, and other stakeholders, the Fund is able to reach children across Michigan.
Children’s Waiver Program
MDHHS – Children’s Waiver Program
The Children’s Waiver Program (CWP) makes it possible for Medicaid to fund home and community-based services for children who are under age 18. To be eligible for the CWP, the child must have a documented developmental disability and need medical or behavioral supports and services at home. In addition, the child must have behavioral or medical and habilitative needs at home on a consistent daily basis that meet requirements for the level of care for an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). To start the process, the family contacts the Community Mental Health Services Program in the county of residence and requests an assessment for a prescreen for the Children’s Waiver Program.
MiBridges
Information about programs available in Michigan that may help families that need assistance for medical, nutritional, food, day care, temporary cash or other expenses.
Family Support Subsidy Program
Family Support Subsidy Program – MDHHS
The Family Support Subsidy (FSS) is a community-based, family-centered support service that makes it possible for children with developmental disabilities to remain with and to return to their birth or adoptive families. The subsidy provides a monthly payment ($222.11) that the family must spend on special needs that occur as a result of caring for a child with a severe disability at home.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Benefits.gov
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal nutrition assistance program. SNAP provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. This card can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores.
Special Education Resources
* School disability eligibility is separate from a medical diagnosis.*
THIS WEBSITE HAS ALL INFORMATION RELATED TO SPECIAL EDUCATION!
Michigan Alliance for Families
What is the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act federal law (IDEA)?
What is a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)?
Requesting an evaluation for services and help in school MUST be in writing!
What is an IEP?
I was told my child did not qualify for an IEP:
- They may qualify for a 504 plan. Section 504
- You have the right to dispute their findings. Disputes – Michigan Alliance for Families
We have an IEP? Now what?
Accommodations/Modifications to learning, work, class environment
- Accommodations and Modifications
- Supplementary Aids and Services (Component of the IEP) | Center for Parent Information and Resources
Services provided during school hours that can be available if your child qualifies in their IEP.
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Social work and more
Can the IEP be changed?
What type of classroom should my child be in?
- The law requires students to be placed in their Least Restrictive Environment possible. You have a right to challenge a placement decision made by a school.
https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/lre-placement/
What about getting a parapro or an aide for my child in class?
My child has a lot of behaviors at school. What can we do?
- Request a Functional Behavioral Analysis in writing
FBA – Michigan Alliance for Families
- How do I write a request for a behavior plan?
Letter requesting Functional assessment of behavior and positive behavior support plan
- Why are these behaviors happening?
- Behavior from sensory needs
Sensory Strategies and Supports for the Classroom – GriffinOT
- Visual supports for the classroom
- Laws and information regarding seclusion and restraint
- They want me to keep picking up my child from school. Do I have to?
Autism Resources
Medical Evaluations for Autism
*All evaluation centers for a diagnosis of Autism require a referral through your child’s primary doctor. A medical diagnosis is separate from an educational disability eligibility for a school IEP.*
Beaumont Center for Exceptional Families
18501 Rotunda Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: (313) 996-1960
Healing Haven in Madison Heights
30685 Barrington St, Madison Heights, MI 48071
Phone: (248) 965-3916)
https://www.thehealinghaven.net/
Anan & Associates
27780 Novi Rd #107, Novi, MI 48377
Phone: (248) 567-2930
https://anan-associates.com/psychological-evaluation-services/
Beaumont Children’s Hospital Center for Human Development
30503 Greenfield Rd. Southfield, MI 48076
Phone: (248) 691-4744
https://www.beaumont.org/locations/center-for-human-development-southfield
Central Autism Assessment & Treatment Center (CAAT) (Central Michigan University)
1101 Health Professions Bldg. Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
Phone: (989) 774-3904
https://www.cmuhealth.org/services/specialty-care/autism-center
Hope Network Center for Autism
2875 Eyde Parkway 1st Floor East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: (844) 969-0252
https://hopenetwork.org/autism/
University Pediatricians Autism Center
21600 Novi Road Ste. 800 Novi, MI 48375
Phone: (248) 946-4479
https://universitypediatricians.org/autism/
Pediatricians Who Work Well With Autistic Children
*Primary Care Physicians for well visits and general care*
Woodhaven Pediatrics
21700 Allen Rd, Woodhaven, MI 48183
Phone: 734-671-8660
https://woodhavenpediatrics.com/
Downriver Pediatrics
23050 West Rd # 110 Brownstown Charter Twp, MI 48183
Phone:(734)671-9800
https://www.downriverpediatricassociates.com/
Morsi Pediatrics
14600 King Road, Suite A, Riverview, MI 48193
Phone: (734) 479-7800
Child & Adolescent Center
15350 Trenton Road, Southgate, MI 48195
Phone: (734) 283-4616
Developmental Specialists
*Your insurance may require a referral from your primary care doctor before visiting.*
Beaumont’s Center For Exceptional Families – Dr. Susan Youngs
18501 Rotunda Dr, Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: (313) 996-1951
Ann Arbor Center for Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics – Dr. Rick Solomon
3031 Miller Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103
Phone: (734) 997-9088
ABA, Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy Providers
Center For Exceptional Families
18501 Rotunda Dr, Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: (313) 996-1951
Gateway Pediatric Therapy
19853 W. Outer Drive, Suite 110, Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: (313) 406-5056
https://www.gatewaypediatrictherapy.com/dearborn
Chitter Chatter Therapy Services – 3 Locations Below
https://www.chitterchatterpc.com/
1360 Porter St, Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: (313) 689-5188
15001 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126
Phone: (313) 757-7060
2086 S Custer Rd, Monroe, MI 48161
Phone: (734) 682-5174
PsyGenics Inc-Speech and Occupational therapy
1660 Fort St, Trenton, MI 48183
Phone: (734) 304-4159
https://www.psygenics.org/programs-services/
Building Bridges Therapy Center
46200 Port St, Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 454-0866
Dentists
Motor Mouth Pediatric Dentistry
1150 Mason Street, Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: (313) 429-1005
Golnick Pediatric Dentistry
21213 Ecorse Rd, Taylor, MI 48180
Phone: (313) 292-7777
https://golnickpediatricdentistry.com/
Tree Town Pediatric Dentistry
1303 Packard St #301, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 662-1591
Children’s Dental Care
13519 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
Phone: (313) 633-9318
https://www.childrensdentalcaremi.com/
Orthodontist
*Only recommended if your child can withstand duration and feeling of braces*
Abed Orthodontics
19727 Allen Rd #22, Brownstown Charter Twp, MI 48183
Phone: (734) 479-9000
https://www.abedorthodontics.com/
Eye Doctor/Ophthalmologists
Children’s Eye Care
22731 Newman St, Suite 245, Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: (313) 561-1777
https://childrenseyecaremich.com/
The Visionary
7333 Allen Rd, Allen Park, MI 48101
Phone: (313) 389-3937
https://www.thevisionaryinc.com/
Hair Salons
*Call ahead for sensory friendly accommodations*
Legends Haircuts For Men
3931 West Rd, Trenton, MI 48183
Phone: 734-304-4387
https://www.facebook.com/LegendsHaircutsforMen/
Novani Salon- Stylist Krystal Fitch
4031 S. Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48188
Phone: (734) 331-2801
Book at: www.vagaro.com/novanisalon
Sensory Friendly Activities
Emagine Theater- Sensory Friendly Movies
39535 Ford Road, Canton, Michigan
Phone: (734) 721-3456
Check for movie and showing dates/times
https://www.emagine-entertainment.com/theatres/emagine-canton/
Sensory Friendly Saturdays at The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: (313) 982-6001
https://www.thehenryford.org/current-events/calendar/sensory-friendly-saturdays-museum/
Greenfield Village-All Abilities Playground
20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: (313) 982-6001
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ertvi9IuW2k
Autistic Play Place
39337 Mound Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310
Phone: (586) 254-6533
https://autisticplayplace.org/
Vonnie’s World
3850 Second Street, Ste. 220, Wayne, MI 48184
Phone: 734-799-7821
Rev’d Up Fun
19830 West Rd, Woodhaven, MI 48183
Phone: (734) 307-3711
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Apps
AAC is a term used to describe various methods of communication for people who have difficulty with or are unable to use spoken language. AAC can include pictures and/or text; there are many apps that can be used on cell phones and tablets. AAC can help people express their wants and needs and does not inhibit one from learning to speak. It is an excellent tool for both non-speaking and speaking individuals.
For resources on how to use AAC more effectively, visit https://www.theaaccoach.com or see the free downloads at https://www.theaaccoach.com/free-downloads.
CBoard (Android) Free | Proloquo2Go
(iOS )$249.99 |
TouchChat
(iOS) $299.99 |
Speech Assistant AAC
(Android, iOS) Free |
QuickTalk AAC
(Android, iOS) Price varies |
iCommunicate
(iOS) $49.99 |
LetMeTalk
(iOS) Free |
SonoFlex
(iOS) $99.99 |
CoughDrop
(Android, iOS) Free |
SymboTalk
(Android, iOS) Free |
**Using AAC technology will be most beneficial when trained by a speech pathologist who is familiar with AAC devices. For help choosing which device and app is best for your family, request a speech and language evaluation. Therapy can provide the entire family with training.
If you would like to download a PDF of a resources section, click the appropriate button. Please note the most current resources list is always online and the PDF may not include the most recent additions.