What to Do After an Autism Diagnosis in Michigan: A Guide for Families

Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can be overwhelming and emotional. Many parents experience mixed feelings; relief at finally having answers, concern about what lies ahead, and uncertainty about where to begin. Questions quickly follow: What support will my child need? How do I access services? What steps should I take first?

Across Michigan, navigating the next phase after a new autism diagnosis can feel complex and difficult to manage. As a family, you must learn about therapies, educational resources, medical support, and long-term planning, all while continuing to care for and advocate for your child. Having clear information and a trusted network of support can make a meaningful difference.

At the Ted Lindsay Foundation, we know that autism affects not just the child, but the whole family (as founder NHL Hall of Famer Ted Lindsay once said). Since 2001, we have passionately pursued our mission to support families through their journey by funding research, expanding access to programs, and connecting families with resources to move forward with confidence and understanding.

Understanding Your Child’s Diagnosis

When your child receives an autism diagnosis, it’s normal to feel uncertain about where to turn. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition that affects social interaction, communication and behavior. For many children, other mental and physical health challenges may also be present. While every child’s experience is different, early intervention and support make a significant difference in a child’s development and a family’s functioning.

Connect with Local Autism Support Services

Michigan has several organizations and programs designed to help families after a diagnosis. These services can provide education, peer support, therapy resources, and community connection.

Autism Alliance of Michigan - MiNavigator

MiNavigator is a free resource identification service, with an interdisciplinary team of professionals including clinical services, education, vocational rehabilitation, and lived autism experience.

OUCARES — Autism Outreach Services

OUCARES (Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services) was expanded with support from the Ted Lindsay Foundation. OUCARES offers recreational, social skills, employment, parent education and support, and summer/holiday programs for individuals with ASD and their families across the lifespan, from early childhood through adulthood.

Whether your child is newly diagnosed or you’re seeking support for a teen or adult, OUCARES can be a valuable first step in finding ongoing community and structured programs that help foster growth and connection.

Ted Lindsay Foundation HOPE Center

For families looking for intervention, the Ted Lindsay Foundation HOPE Center at Corewell Children's provides evidence-based services, including behavioral consultation and parent education. These programs help parents better understand and support their child’s development in practical, day-to-day settings.

Easterseals/MORC

Easterseals MORC provides comprehensive support for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, offering services that focus on skill-building, independence, and overall quality of life. Programs include behavioral health services, early intervention, life skills development, vocational training, and family support resources tailored to each stage of life.

Tips for Next Steps After Diagnosis

1. Reach out to your pediatrician or developmental specialist:They can help explain your child’s diagnosis in detail and connect you with specialists, such as behavior analysts, speech therapists, and developmental pediatricians who can support your child’s specific needs.

2. Ask about applied behavior analysis (ABA) or other evidence-based interventions: Programs like those offered at the TLF HOPE Center use methods shown to help children build communication, social, and daily living skills.

3. Connect with peer support and community or recreational groups:Parents and caregivers often find comfort and practical advice by joining support groups. Local groups and autism organizations in Michigan can help you connect with other families who understand your experience. FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation FAR offers a wide range of programming options drawing from the fields of art therapy, music therapy and recreational therapy in order to provide individuals the approach that best meets their needs.

4. Explore local early intervention services:If your child is under the age of 3, early intervention services through your county ISD (Intermediate School District) can offer evaluations, therapy planning and support under the Michigan Autism Spectrum Disorder Provider Guide.

5. Keep organized records and ask questionsKeeping thorough documentation of evaluations, therapy goals and family feedback helps you advocate effectively with schools or healthcare providers.
   

You’re Not Alone — Help Is Available

When your child has been newly diagnosed with autism in Michigan, the next steps can feel uncertain. But you don’t have to do it alone. The Ted Lindsay Foundation is here to make your path clearer with support for research, programs and community connection that help families like yours not just cope, but thrive.

Whether you’re exploring early intervention, looking for therapeutic support, or simply seeking community connection, there are many autism resources in Michigan.

While the Ted Lindsay Foundation does not provide direct financial assistance or individual services, we play an important role by funding and supporting organizations that do.

Through fundraising and awareness efforts, we proudly invest in trusted partners such as OUCARES, TLF HOPE, AAoM, FAR, Easterseals/MORC, and other programs dedicated to advancing autism research, care and family support.

For more information about the programs we support and how to get involved, visit tedlindsay.org.