Early Intervention and ABA in Michigan

Part C Is Your Fastest Door

If your child is under 3 and you suspect autism, you don't need to wait for a diagnosis to get help. Every state runs a federally required program called Part C early intervention, and Michigan's version is your fastest first step.

Part C covers evaluation and services for children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or conditions likely to lead to delays. You can request an evaluation in writing, and the program must respond within a set timeline, usually 45 days. No autism diagnosis needed.

How to Request an Evaluation

In Michigan, you request an evaluation through your local Part C agency, sometimes called Early On. Find the contact for your county, then send a written request by email or letter. Include your child's name, birth date, and your concern, for example 'delayed speech' or 'not responding to name'.

The program assigns a service coordinator who guides you through the process. The evaluation is free. If your child qualifies, you'll work together to create an IFSP.

What an IFSP Is

IFSP stands for Individualized Family Service Plan. It's a written plan that lists your child's developmental goals and the services they'll get to meet them. Unlike an IEP, the IFSP focuses on the whole family, because you are your child's most important teacher.

The IFSP is reviewed every six months and updated at least once a year. You are part of the team that writes it, and you must sign off on it before services start.

Services at Home or in the Community

Part C services happen where your child naturally spends time: your home, a daycare, a park, or a library. A provider comes to you, which removes the stress of traveling to a clinic.

Services can include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental instruction. Depending on your child's needs, a provider may work with them one-on-one or coach you on strategies to use throughout the day.

Cost and Payment

Part C is free to families in Michigan, thanks to state and federal funding. There is no sliding scale, no copay, and no insurance billing for the evaluation or services. That's a huge advantage if your insurance has a deductible or limits on therapy visits.

You may be asked for permission to bill your insurance to help the program get federal funds, but you cannot be charged for any amount insurance doesn't cover. You can decline to share insurance information without losing services.

Transition at Age 3

Part C ends the day your child turns 3. At least 90 days before that birthday, your service coordinator must hold a transition meeting. The goal is to move your child to school-district services under an IEP if they still need support.

An IEP is different from an IFSP. It's focused on educational goals, and it's delivered in a school setting, often a preschool classroom. The evaluation for an IEP is free, and you can request it even if your child doesn't have an autism diagnosis.

If your child qualifies for an IEP, services are free. If they don't qualify, you can still seek private therapy, including ABA, through insurance or private pay.

ABA and Part C Together

Part C and insurance-funded ABA are separate systems. You can use them in sequence or at the same time. Many families start with Part C for immediate developmental support, then add ABA once an autism diagnosis is in place and insurance coverage kicks in.

In Michigan, a state autism mandate requires many insurance plans to cover ABA, but it only applies to fully insured plans. If your employer self-funds its plan, it's exempt under ERISA, though many still cover ABA voluntarily. To know what your plan covers, ask your insurer: 'Does my plan cover applied behavior analysis for autism? What are the session limits, and is there a deductible?'

Common questions

More reading

• Does Insurance Cover ABA Therapy in Michigan?
• Medicaid ABA Coverage in Michigan
• What Families Actually Look For in an ABA Agency
• How to Switch ABA Providers Without Losing Progress