I think my child has Autism. What now?

[Amy Gibbs-Daleo]

Step 1. Take a deep breath.

Step 2. If your child is in school, put in writing to the special education department that you would like your child tested for Autism. If your child is younger than school age, contact Early On, 800-EarlyOn

Step 3. If the school does the testing, they have 30 school days to complete the evaluation. If they conclude a diagnosis of ASD, they will schedule an IEP meeting. IEP = individualized education plan

Step 4. Do not go to the IEP alone. Go with support! Arm yourself with information and most importantly, advocate for your child.

Step 5. The best advice I can give a family is to join the Autism Support Group of Genesee County. Attend the meetings. You will receive a "New Member Folder" full of information about local resources for ASD.

Step 6. Accept help and advice from other members of ASGGC

Step 7. Apply for Family Support Subsidy (net income $60,000 or less) through Community Mental Health


TESTING LOCATIONS:
Ages birth – 3. Early On, 800-EarlyON through (GISD) Genesee Intermediate School District. [phone]

Age 2.5-6. Preschool through (GISD) Genesee Intermediate School District. [phone]

Ages 6-18. Child’s school, ask for evaluation for autism spectrum disorders and ADOS testing

Children of all ages: The Ann Arbor Center for Developmental & Behavior Pediatrics, 734-997-9088, Ann Arbor. www.aacenter.org Dr Richard Solomon and Dr Mark Bowers

All ages . Genesee County Community Mental Health, [phone]. Flint.

Adults:
• Dr Ann Burton, 810-344-4635, Grand Blanc
• Hillside Center, 810-424-2400, Grand Blanc (Dr Rose)
• Hurley Mental Health Services, 810-262-2100, Flint (Drs. Arrand, Carmean, or McKee)

[Larisa]

I have recently met a new family from my kids school. Kim and robert Cohoon with 1 child Alexis who is on the spectrum. She is 8 and they are young and have not been able to find any resouces. I have been very fortunate to help with my story and she is in samanthas class and they are now friends. I will help her in any way and I will be bringing them to meeting to give them at least this start for their first resource. Thanks,

[Amy Gibbs-Daleo]

Updated info