Getting an autism diagnosis in Detroit

In Detroit, autism evaluations run through a few channels, and which one fits depends partly on your coverage. Hospital-based developmental clinics — including those connected to the Children's Hospital of Michigan and other Metro Detroit health systems — conduct comprehensive evaluations, though wait times can stretch for months. Independent licensed psychologists and neuropsychologists across the region also diagnose, and sometimes have shorter waits or more scheduling flexibility.

For children on Medicaid, there is a distinct route: the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN), Wayne County's Community Mental Health agency, can arrange autism-specific diagnostic evaluations as part of the Medicaid Autism Benefit. This matters because a diagnosis obtained this way flows directly into the same system that funds ABA, which can smooth the transition to treatment. You can reach the DWIHN Access Call Center at 1-800-241-4949. For very young children, remember that Early On Michigan can begin support without any diagnosis at all — more on that below.