Approved Autism Evaluation Centers in Michigan (AAEC)
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In Michigan, insurance companies require an official autism assessment evaluation to be done at an AAEC (Autism Assessment and Evaluation Center) before approving ABA therapy services. However, due to long wait times at AAEC sites (1-2 years wait), most parents choose to have a qualified autism assessment done much earlier by a qualified health professional who is trained in administering the ADOS or ADOS-2 protocol. This allows parents to start ABA therapy services sooner by obtaining a bridge authorization for services through their insurance carrier.
A “qualified health care professional” is defined as a professional who is trained to conduct the diagnostic evaluation using approved methods and protocols. Professionals are typically one of the following: pediatric neurologist, developmental pediatrician, board-certified pediatrician, board-certified child psychiatrist, fully licensed child psychologist, or medical doctor experienced in the diagnosis of ASD.
How To Get A Bridge Authorization For ABA Services In Michigan
After receiving an official diagnosis and report from a qualified health care professional, your BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) can submit a plan of action for ABA therapy to your insurance carrier for an “ABA bridge authorization” for services. This authorization allows you to start receiving important ABA therapy services while you are still waiting for an assessment at an AAEC site. BCBAs are professionals who have met the certification and practice requirements set forth by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). BCBA’s are qualified to design, implement and evaluate behavior-analytic interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. They are also responsible for ensuring that ABA therapy provided is based on the latest research and best practices in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Our Recommendation: We recommend calling an AAEC center and getting on their waitlist, all while simultaneously making a testing appointment with either Dr. Kat Lewitzke PsyD or any other qualified health professional of your choice. Following this path will ensure your child will get the necessary ABA services without potentially losing any more precious time without services.
A complete list of Approved Autism Evaluation Centers can be found below and here.
Find An Approved Autism Evaluation Center in Michigan
Beaumont Center for Exceptional Families
18501 Rotunda Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: (313) 996-1960Beaumont Children’s Hospital Center for Human Development
30503 Greenfield Rd. Southfield, MI 48076
Phone: (248) 691-4744Central Autism Assessment & Treatment Center (CAAT) (Central Michigan University)
1101 Health Professions Bldg. Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
Phone: (989) 774-3904Covenant Center for Autism
2919 E. Wilder Rd. Bay City, MI 48706
Phone: (989) 671-5738Easterseals Michigan
2399 E. Walton Blvd. Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Phone: (248) 475-6400
4065 East Hills Court SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: (616) 942-2081Helen DeVos Behavioral Health Clinic – Spectrum Health
35 Michigan St., Suite 5201 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 267-2830Henry Ford Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities
1 Ford Place Pediatric Admin, 4B Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (313) 972-9009Hope Network Center for Autism
2875 Eyde Parkway
1st Floor East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: (844) 969-0252Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
235 Wealthy Street SEGrand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 840-8807Michigan Medicine (formerly, University of Michigan
Health System)
*Multiple locations see link above.
MidMichigan Health Pediatric Center
32 S. Homer Rd. Midland, MI 48640
Phone: (989) 492-7766Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
300 68th Street St, SE
P.O. Box 165 Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Phone: (616) 258-7500University Center for the Child and the Family (UCCF) (University of Michigan)
500 East Washington St., Suite 100 Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 764-9466University Pediatricians Autism Center
21600 Novi Rd. Suite 800 Novi, MI 48377
Phone: (248) 305-6172UP Health System Marquette –Specialty Clinic
580 W. College Ave. Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: (906) 225-4778WMed Pediatric Autism Center (WMedPAC)
1000 Oakland Drive Kalamazoo, MI 49008
2nd Floor, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
Phone: (269) 337-6400- Acorn Health940 N. Center Ave.
Gaylord, MI 49735
Phone: (844) 244-18181000 E. Paris SE, Suite 160
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: (844) 244-1818
1363 Douglas Dr., Suite 104
Traverse City, MI 49696
Phone: (844) 244-1818
List Updated 1/21/2023
We offer Autism testing services at both our Clarkston and West Bloomfield locations. Typical wait times for an evaluation appointment is 60-90 days out. Please fill out our contact form and we will be in touch with you within 1-2 business days.
*If you require results right away, we do offer private pay expedited services outside of clinician normal business hours only twice a month. For more information please visit our expedited services page.
Free Autism Resources: Screener, Tools, and More:
We understand the importance of timely and accurate autism assessments. That’s why we offer a free autism screener test on our website. This tool below is designed to help you gauge whether further diagnostic psychological testing may be necessary. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive and professional approach to assist individuals in their journey toward understanding symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment. If you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of autism, we encourage you to take advantage of this free screener test on our website today.
