AUTISM SERVICES
Autism symptoms begin in early childhood, persist, and can interfere with daily living.
SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
Avoiding eye contact
Abnormal tone of voice
Behavioral disturbances
Lack of empathy
Intense focus on one topic
Difficulty understand social cues
Not engaging in play with peers
Repeating words or movements
Delay in learning to speak
ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICES:
A person may be eligible for Autism Services at LifeWays if:
They are under 21 years old.
They live in Jackson or Hillsdale county.
LifeWays has diagnosed them with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
They are currently eligible for Medicaid or MIChild.
PERSON CENTERED PLANNING
Person-Centered Planning means you and your child will be actively engaged in planning and supporting your child’s care. This process builds upon your child’s preferences, choices, and abilities.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
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LifeWays staff will work directly with you and your child to complete several assessments. If your child is approved for the program, they will work with a team of experts that will provide intensive autism support services.
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The ABA Program is a results-based program which uses a multitude of tests and assessments to track the progress your child is making while they are in the program.
PROGRAM APPLICATION PROCESS
ELIGIBILITY
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Contact LifeWays to complete a phone screening and schedule an assessment.
(517) 789-1209
Total Time: 10 min
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Complete an assessment with a mental health professional at LifeWays.
Total time: 60-90 min
If the results of the intake assessment indicate the need for treatment other than autism, appropriate referrals will be made.
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If appropriate, a referral will be made to a case manager.
Total time: Referral times can vary.
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A referral packet is completed with a case manager and submitted for approval.
If you have commercial insurance with coverage for autism we will assist you in scheduling an assessment with approved center/provider. if you have Medicaid only. LifeWays CAN provide services.
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If referral is approved, an evaluation for autism and medical necessity for ABA services is completed.
Total time: 3-4 hours across 2 sessions
If referral is pended for information, differential/psychological testing will be requested prior to scheduling.
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If evaluation indicates an autism diagnosis and meets medical necessity, a referral to the ABA provider is made.
Total time: Referral times can vary.
If you are denied, you will be notified.
SERVICE DELIVERY
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ABA provider will schedule a time to complete a Functional Behavioral Assessment.
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A comprehensive Individual Plan of Service (IPOS) is developed including ABA.
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ABA services will begin, utilizing a schedule developed with you and your child.
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ABA provider will complete periodic reviews of services and progress.
ADOS completed minimally every three years. Can be completed more often if necessary.