Autism is a neurological disorder that affects an individual’s ability to communicate, understand language and relate to others. Autism is called a “spectrum disorder” because people may have some or all characteristics, varying from mild to severe:
- Communication problems (for example, with the use or comprehension of language);
- Difficulty relating to people, things, and events;
- Playing with toys and objects in unusual ways;
- Difficulty adjusting to changes in routine or to familiar surroundings; and
- Repetitive body movements or behaviors.
Children with autism or other disorders on the autism spectrum differ in ability and behavior because of the difference in the individual’s ability to process information from the environment. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) can often be reliably detected by 3 years of age and sometimes as early as 18 months.
What if my child is newly diagnosed?
Please check out the information on our page for ASD- New Diagnosis
What about ABA?
Most insurance companies regulated by the state of Michigan are mandated to provide an autism benefit. This includes services related to the diagnosis and treatment of ASD. The Michigan Autism Program also provides children ages 18 months through 5 years old with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services.
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- Michigan Autism Benefit Parent Resources
- ABA Overview
- ABA in the IFSP and IEP MAASE
Can Autism be cured?
As of now there is no known cure but parent’s experience and research shows that early intervention and a variety of therapies can lead to better outcomes in life for people on the autism spectrum.
What do I need to think about for my child’s IEP?
Students with Autism often are eligible for services under the category of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The IEP is a process that results in a document, the IEP, which guides the student’s education. This means parents and educators work together to make an educational plan that provides supports, services, accommodations and modifications that fit the individual student with an autism spectrum disorder. These supports and services are designed to help the student learn within the general educational curriculum along with other students. Visit our website for more information on the IEP process.
The educational plan for each student should be individualized and address the students’ needs in all areas: academic, social and adaptive, communication, as well as gross and fine motor development.
All students have strengths and these should be built upon as well. Making sure these strengths are considered is just one important contribution parents make to the educational planning team.
Within the overall context of individualization, and recognizing the uniqueness of each student, there are some programming suggestions that can serve as a guide to making the learning environment best for the student with an autism spectrum disorder.
- Accommodations and Modifications Resources
- ASD: Evidence Based Practices
- Visual Supports for Students with ASD
- START Statewide Autism Resources and Training
- Understanding School Services for My Child with Autism
- START iQuest promotes a collaborative family and school process for determining meaningful goals that support student independence in a variety of areas, considering the strengths, needs, and interests of the child.
Is there some technology that can help my student learn?
Assistive technology is a related service listed in IDEA. Technology is a key to leveling the playing field for individuals with disabilities. Learn more on our Assistive Technology webpage.
Where can I find support?
- Autism Michigan Local Resources
- Map of Michigan Parent Support Groups/Options for Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Autism Alliance of Michigan
- Autism Support of Michigan
- Autism Council- State of Michigan
- Autism Navigator
