Parent Resources

Adaptive Living

Automobility Evaluation & Rehabilitation

Automobility in Grand Rapids is a specialized occupational therapy program that helps people gain or retain independence behind the wheel. Services are especially for those with medical challenges, disabilities, or age-related changes that affect driving ability. They offer individualized driving evaluations to assess physical, cognitive, and visual skills related to safe driving. If the results of the evaluation reveal the potential to safely drive, they can provide behind-the-wheel training and support with adaptive driving equipment as well as vehicle modifications. Learn More.

ADHD

Children & Adolescents with ADHD

Children & Adolescents with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people with ADHD, including children, adults, families, educators, and professionals. CHADD offers educational resources, community services (e.g., support groups), advocacy, and access to a national resource center. Learn More.

Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson, EdD

Smart but Scattered is a practical, evidence-based guide to help understand and support executive skills in children, teens, and adults. Multiple books are available for different age groups. This book explains what executive skills are, why they matter, and what can help strengthen them through real-world strategies and accommodations. Topics include, but are not limited to discussions on task initiation, planning and prioritizing, organization, working memory, time management, and emotional/behavioral regulation. Learn More.

Advocacy

Disability Rights of Michigan

Disability Rights of Michigan (DRM) is Michigan’s federally designated Protection & Advocacy organization. It is a private nonprofit agency that works to protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities across the state. DRM provides free legal advocacy and representation; investigates abuse and discrimination; monitors institutions to ensure rights are protected; helps individuals access education, employment, housing, healthcare, and community services; and promotes systemic change. Learn More.

Michigan Alliance for Families

Michigan Alliance for Families (MAF) is Michigan’s statewide nonprofit parent resource and support organization that helps families of children and young adults with disabilities navigate special education and related services. It is Michigan’s federally funded Parent Training and Information Center under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Services include free access to information and resources, parent mentors, workshops/webinars, and personalized support. Learn More.

Autism

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families through advocacy, awareness, research, and services. They provide resources and supports for individuals with autism, engage in public policy, fund research, and offer education through webinars and visual aides. Learn More.

Autism Alliance of Michigan

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is a nonprofit organization that helps families understand the diagnostic process, treatment options, school supports, and insurance and medicaid systems. They host events and initiatives, work with the state to improve policies, ensure appropriate care and educational supports are received, and provide workshops/webinars and community training. Learn More.

Model Me Kids

Model Me Kids is a social skills video modeling curriculum and resource platform designed to help children with autism and other developmental differences. The curriculum helps individuals learn and practice real-world social and communication skills using evidence-based videos. Topics include, but are not limited to, making eye contact, taking turns, joining conversations, handling frustrations, and navigating social situations. Access to the curriculum is available with a 1-year license for $299 a year, but a free trial is available to help determine if the program is a good fit before purchasing. Learn More.

Autism Center of Excellence

An Autism Center of Excellence (COE) is a designation used by certain insurers to identify multidisciplinary programs that meet specific standards for autism evaluation and treatment. Families may need a COE evaluation to access certain covered services (e.g., ABA therapy), depending on their insurance plan (e.g., Michigan BCBS). For autism evaluations with a COE designation in Michigan, Click Here.

Community Mental Health

In Michigan, Community Mental Health (CMH) agencies are organizations that coordinate behavioral health services for individuals who have medicaid. For children covered by Medicaid plans, CMH often determines eligibility for autism-related services and may require specific evaluation standards before approving treatment. Understanding these requirements early can help prevent delays in care. For a list of autism-related CMH agencies, Click Here.

Behaviors

1-2-3 Magic by Thomas W. Phelan, PhD

1-2-3 Magic is a practical, simple, and structured parenting guide that teaches methods for managing children’s behavior for ages 2-12. The book focuses on staying calm, avoiding long lectures, and not getting pulled into power struggles using a system that is predictable and consistent. The methods help children connect their behavior to clear outcomes. Learn More.

Development

Early On Michigan

Early on is Michigan’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers (birth – 3 years old) who have or are at risk for developmental delays/disabilities due to certain health conditions. It’s a free, voluntary support system designed to help children grow, learn, and develop during the most critical early years. They offer a free developmental evaluation, and if eligible, will develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) with services tailored to your child’s needs. Learn More.

Developmental Milestones

Developmental milestones can help caregivers and professionals understand how a child is growing and identify concerns early if a child is not meeting expected skills. The early years are a time of rapid brain development. Therefore, it is important to get support sooner rather than later. Early identification and early intervention lead to better long-term outcomes. For expected milestones, Click Here.

Education

Michigan Department of Education

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) works to support children’s learning and development from early childhood through young adulthood. MDE provides resources, guidance, and tools specifically for parents and families. Learn More.

Individualized Education Program

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written document for students with disabilities, between the ages of 3 and 26 years old, who receive special education programs and related services. The purpose of an IEP is to identify each student’s needs, develop reasonable learning goals, and document services the school district will provide to help the student achieve these goals. Learn More.

504 Plan

A 504 Plan provides accommodations and not specialized instruction (which can be offered through an IEP). The focus of the 504 Plan is to remove barriers so students can access the general education curriculum. Examples of potential accommodations include, but are not limited to, extended time on tests, preferential seating, and breaks throughout the day. Learn More or explore FAQ from the Department of Education.

What Works Clearinghouse

The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) is a national resource funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences. It reviews educational research and identifies which programs, practices, and interventions are supported by strong scientific evidence. The Practice Guides are especially helpful as they translate research into actionable steps, provide evidence ratings, and offer concrete strategies. You can explore Practice Guides by selecting the box just below the key words search bar and then you can filter by academic needs (e.g., literacy). Learn More.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

IDEA is a federal law that ensures children with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs. IDEA ensures schools provide FAPE, an IEP when appropriate, and access to schooling in the least restrictive environment. IDEA helps families understand their child’s legal rights within the school system. Learn More.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan

Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan is the statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people with epilepsy/seizure disorders and their caregivers/families. They educate the public to reduce stigma and increase understanding; support individuals with epilepsy through peer networks and events; and offer training for schools, employers, and community members. Learn More.

Grief

Ele’s Place

Ele’s Place is a nonprofit grief support organization in Michigan dedicated to helping children, teens, young adults, and their families heal after the death of someone important in their lives. They offer peer grief support groups, parent/guardian support, school-based resources, and guidance for how to talk to children about death. Learn More.

Guardianship & Alternatives

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council

The MiDDC was created under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to promote system change, inclusion, and self-determination for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. In addition to providing advocacy, the MiDDC also issues grants, supports self-advocacy opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, and participates in public policy. MiDDC offers great resources on alternatives to guardianship, such as supported decision making. Learn More.

Probate Courts of Michigan

Probate courts are responsible for determining if guardianship is necessary while protecting the legal rights and well-being of adults with developmental disabilities. The court evaluates evidence (often medical and psychological documentation) to determine if an individual has a developmental disability, lacks the capacity to make informed decisions, and whether guardianship is truly needed. To start this process, you will need to contact your local probate court. Click here for a list of Michigan probate courts.

Independence

MOKA

Moka is a West-Michigan based non-profit organization with a mission to create opportunities for independence by supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in making choices, building relationships, developing skills, and contributing to society. Their website provides resources on residential living, community support, employment services, and person-centered technology for housing accommodations. Learn More.

The Arc of Michigan

The Arc of Michigan is a nonprofit organization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It offers multiple resources for special education law (e.g., IEPs and 504 Plans), guardianship and alternatives, navigating healthcare systems, and transition planning for adulthood. Their resource center offers information on alternatives to guardianship (supported decision-making), housing, and employment. Learn More.

Michigan Rehabilitation Services

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) is a state program that helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep meaningful employment; build independence; and increase economic self-sufficiency. Eligible individuals can get help with identifying a plan for employment, job training, career counseling, assistance with workplace accommodations/assistive technology, and job placement support. Learn More.

Diapers for Older Children and Adults (MI F2F)

The Michigan Family to Family Health Information Center (MI F2F) offers resources and tips to obtain coverage for diapers beyond the typical age of toilet training. Organizations that assist with costs for low income families are included as well as self-pay options. Learn More.

Steps to Independence by Bruce L. Baker, PhD

Steps to Independence is a practical, parent-friendly guide designed to help children with developmental delays or disabilities build everyday living skills. This book focuses on breaking down daily tasks (e.g., dressing, toileting, eating) and teaches parents how to use clear instructions, repetition, visual supports, and positive reinforcement to help their child gain independence over time. Learn More.

Learning Disabilities

Overcoming Dyslexia by Salley E. Shaywitz, M.D.

Overcoming Dyslexia is a comprehensive and science-based guide that helps understand, identify, and encourage individuals with dyslexia. Dr. Shaywitz emphasizes the importance of early identification, explains proven evidence-based strategies (e.g., teaching phonemic awareness), and discusses tools/accommodations that can help adolescents and adults. Learn More.

Lupus

Michigan Lupus Foundation

The Michigan Lupus Foundation hosts support groups, provides educational events and resources, works with lawmakers at the state and federal level, supports medical and scientific research, offers financial assistance programs, and organizes community events (e.g., awareness walks, fundraisers, etc.). Learn More.

Lupus Foundation of America

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is a national nonprofit organization that supports individuals and families impacted by lupus by offering information, community outreach, and research funding. Learn More.

Mental Health

National Alliance on Mental Health

The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) provides free support, programs, and advocacy for families affected by mental health conditions. NAMI offers education to help understand mental health diagnoses / treatment options, navigate school and community systems, and reduce stigma. Check out the Michigan Chapter of NAMI or learn more about the national organization Here.

Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida Association

The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) supports individuals and families affected by spina bifida across the lifespan. SBA offers various resources for expectant parents of a child with spina bifida as well as resources for children, adolescents, and adults with spina bifida. The website includes links to help locate a spina bifida clinic and local chapters for additional community-based support. Learn More.

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Association of America

The Tourette Association of America (TAA) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people affected by Tourette Syndrome (TS) and other tic disorders. The TAA focuses on raising awareness through education campaigns and public outreach, funding scientific studies and treatments, advocating for policy change, and offering informational tools (e.g., support groups, webinars, etc.). Learn More.

Tuberous Sclerosis

TSC Alliance

The TSC Alliance is a community hub for families raising a child with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Their website provides resources for understanding how TSC may affect learning and development, prepare for transitions, locate specialists familiar with TSC, and connect with community resources. Learn More.

TSC-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TAND)

TAND is a term used to describe the behavioral, emotional, learning, psychiatric, and social challenges that occur in individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). TAND highlights the brain-based developmental aspects of TSC that affect day-to-day functioning. Understanding these factors is important to ensure a comprehensive focus of care, encourage early screening for interventions that can be most helpful, and support planning to meet the needs of the whole child. Learn More.