Autism (ASD) Services

Easterseals MORC offers Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy and other family supports both in-home and at designated office locations.

Overview
Our Programs
Resources
Other Areas of Support

Easterseals MORC is a leader in providing comprehensive, emerging and evidence-based treatment for individuals and their families. Our services go beyond offering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, to include strategies and activities that engage the whole family. Complimenting high quality ABA and social skills training for the child with Autism are family life goals, coached play sessions and enhanced family training. The goal of our Autism services is not only to improve the quality of life and independence of children with Autism, but also to improve the quality of life for the family by empowering all members towards successful outcomes.

When we opened our doors over 100 years ago, we knew that parents played a large role in what we do. That is why when we heard about the challenges that many of our families face regarding appointments and services for autism spectrum disorders, we decided to do something about it. That is why we are building a state-of-the-art facility to meet their needs.

Easterseals MORC offers individualized services implemented by specialized staff for children diagnosed on the autism spectrum. The intensity of services are based on the child and family needs. Services may include:

Home-based interventions
Individual social skills training that utilizes social stories, structured routines, modeling, visual cues, reinforcement, prompts and task analysis for skill acquisition.
Social groups
Enhanced family training (individualized or multi-family)that includes coached play sessions, family skill building and recreation of challenging scenarios on-site.
Community based services
Collaborative consultation with schools, childcare agencies and other providers
Evidenced-based group therapy for teens
A pediatric/adolescent psychiatric consultant is available to review cases where multiple medications are being utilized. This has resulted in more efficient management of psychiatric disturbances with the least restrictive amount of medication.

Our team focuses on evidenced based interventions that are proven to be effective in developing the skills of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and similar disabilities.

For more information, contact our call center at 1.800.75.SEALS.

Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory Integration (SI) is our brain's ability to take in, organize, and interpret information using all of our senses.
Personal Healthcare Portal

An online tool that will allow you to view your personal healthcare information online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using a secure and private website.
Crisis Services

If you are in crisis, please contact Common Ground for 24 hour Resource and Crisis Helpline at 1.800.231.1127 or Easterseals MORC staff at the listed on-call crisis phone number.
The PLAY Project

The Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters (PLAY) Project is an intensive, early intervention program for children ages 18 months - 8 years, who are on the Autistic Spectrum. Therapists work with the child and family to enhance engagement according to the principles of the PLAY Project. Sessions may be videotaped for continued training and feedback. Easterseals MORC is one of four leaders in early intervention/pediatric medical rehabilitation to act as a peer coach to other Easterseals affiliates throughout the country regarding the PLAY Project.
Speech and Language Therapy

Easterseals MORC Speech and Language therapy program provides functional communication skills for children with disabilities and other special needs, such as Cerebral Palsy, ASD, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, and developmental delays.
Occupational Therapy

Easterseals MORC offers occupational therapy helps children with disabilities and other special needs, such as Cerebral Palsy, ASD, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, and developmental delays, achieve daily tasks.
Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is the process of systematically applying interventions based on the principles of "learning theory" to improve socially significant behaviors.

Autism Signs & Symptoms: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can vary in severity of symptoms, age of onset, and the presence of various features such as language and intellectual ability. The manifestations of ASD can differ considerably across individuals. Even though there are strong and consistent commonalities, especially in social interaction, there is no single behavior that is always present in every individual with ASD, and no behavior that would automatically exclude an individual from diagnosis of ASD.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. The AAP has guidelines and recommendations for the effective diagnosis and treatment of autism.

Autism Society of America (ASA): Autism Society of America is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals with whom they interact. The society and its chapters share a common mission of providing information and education, supporting research, and advocating for programs and services for the autism community.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is a nonprofit organization run by and for people with autism. ASAN was created to serve as a national grassroots disability rights organization for the autistic community, advocating for systems change and ensuring that the voices of autistic people are heard in policy debates and the halls of power.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Autism Information Center: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintains a Web information site with current information and resources for those interested in learning more about autism. The CDC’s "Learn the Signs. Act Early" Web site provides information about childhood developmental milestones and delays. Maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the “Learn the Signs. Act Early” site helps you to track the developmental milestones your child should be reaching, see how milestones change as your child grows, and download fact sheets on developmental milestones for children from 3 months to 5 years. The site also includes information on developmental screening and developmental disabilities.

Advice & Facts

Seal of Approval: Fairs and Festivals

Summertime in Michigan not only brings nice weather, but it’s time for many fairs and festivals. Easterseals MORC is excited to share some of the festivals and fairs in Michigan offering events and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To be considered for the Easterseals MORC Seal of Approval, the event or business must be and/or have accommodations for sensory and/or disability friendly.
Initiative

Seal of Approval: Cosmetology & Dental Services

Easterseals MORC is proud to present some of our favorite Michigan businesses offering cosmetology or dental services for individuals with disabilities and/or sensory needs.
Initiative

Seal of Approval: Restaurants

Easterseals MORC is proud to present some of our favorite Michigan restaurants focusing on accessibility.
Initiative

Seal of Approval: Spring Activities

Easterseals MORC has gathered a list of activities & events to do and visit throughout the state of Michigan. To be considered for the Easterseals MORC Seal of Approval, the activity, event, or location must be (or have accommodations for) sensory and/or disability friendly.
*2023 version*