April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and understanding about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which affects millions of families across the globe. Here in Michigan, MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy is working hard to support children and families through high-quality services like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more.
Connie Combs, Behavioral Health Development Manager at MetroEHS, recently shared four essential steps families can take to understand and access ABA therapy—a leading approach to supporting children with autism.
1. Talk to Your Pediatrician About Developmental Milestones
If you’re concerned that your child isn’t meeting age-appropriate developmental milestones, the first step is to schedule a visit with your pediatrician. Pediatricians can conduct preliminary screenings to identify possible developmental delays and determine whether further evaluation is needed.
Early detection is crucial. If your child shows signs of autism, don’t wait—early intervention makes a significant difference.
2. Confirm an Autism Diagnosis with ADOS Testing
After an initial evaluation, your pediatrician may refer you for ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) testing. This standardized assessment is used to confirm an autism diagnosis, which is necessary for accessing services such as ABA therapy.
An official diagnosis provides a clear path forward and ensures your child qualifies for support services through insurance or Medicaid.
3. Verify Insurance Coverage and Explore Financial Support
Navigating insurance coverage for ABA therapy can be confusing, but MetroEHS is here to help. They accept most commercial insurance plans and offer a Financial Care Coordinator to guide you through the process.
If you believe your child may qualify for Medicaid, MetroEHS can assist you or direct you to your local Community Mental Health (CMH) provider. CMH supports coordinators can help determine eligibility and walk you through available benefits. Flexible payment plans are also available through MetroEHS for families who need additional support.
4. Find an ABA Provider—and Understand the Wait Times
Finding the right ABA therapy provider is an important step—but it does require some patience. Due to staffing levels, program availability, and insurance approvals, families should expect a wait time of 3 to 6 months, sometimes longer.
ABA therapy is a multi-layered, individualized approach that involves a team of professionals. Knowing what to expect helps families plan ahead and stay encouraged through the process.
Empowering Children and Families During Autism Awareness Month
During Autism Awareness Month, and all year long, MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy is proud to support children with autism through personalized, compassionate care. From ABA therapy to speech therapy, feeding therapy, and occupational therapy, their team is dedicated to helping each child thrive.
If you’re ready to take the next step or want to learn more about available services, visit metroehs.com or call 248-970-8402
