Research shows that early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s healthy development. The Mary Free Bed Kids Autism Program offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services—including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy—to support your child’s growth and independence.
Our compassionate experts combine clinical skill with heartfelt care to assess your child’s potential and help them thrive.
Autism Diagnosis and Evaluation
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder often appear before the age of two. Common signs may include delayed language development, repetitive or restrictive behaviors or difficulties with social interaction.
Approved Autism Evaluation Centers (AAEC)
- Mary Free Bed, an Approved Autism Evaluation Center (AAEC), provides diagnostic services at our Grand Rapids Campus and in Bay City.
- Before starting treatment, a diagnosis from an AAEC is required by Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network. All patients must receive an autism diagnosis to qualify for ABA therapy.
- We offer AAEC evaluations, ASD testing/ADHD testing and physical therapy as well as occupational therapy and speech therapy services at our location!
Call the location nearest you to check insurance coverage and availability.
Autism Treatment and Therapy Services
Our team develops personalized treatment plans tailored to your child’s strengths, challenges and unique goals. We focus on improving daily function and social engagement through strategies that enhance:
• Functional communication
• Social and play skills
• Alternative strategies for challenging behaviors
• Cooperation and independence with daily living skills
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
Supervised by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), ABA therapy is an intensive evidence-based treatment technique for autism.
What Is ABA Therapy?
Supervised by a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), ABA is an approach rooted in the science of behavior, which helps explain how behaviors develop and how learning takes place. ABA utilizes evidence-based strategies that have been proven to be effective and impactful in teaching meaningful skills.
ABA is a therapeutic approach to learning that seeks to improve the lives of individuals by teaching meaningful skills that will support improved independence. At Mary Free Bed, we prioritize personal values and social validity when deciding which ABA strategies would be most impactful.
Treatment plans use positive reinforcement and structured techniques to help improve overall functioning and everyday life. Sessions take place in a safe, supportive environment and may include:
- One-on-one therapy with a registered behavior technician (RBT)
- Social skills training with peers of similar age
- Caregiver education and coaching for home success
- Collaboration with schools and community support systems
- Additional therapies such as occupational, speech and feeding therapy are available at select locations.
Personalized Goals and Family Collaboration
Each child requires individualized care and specific goals that match their skills and challenges. Our behavior analysts collaborate with families and other professionals involved in a child’s life to best prioritize the skills that will support their independence.
We recommend a schedule that suits the child’s needs and takes into consideration the other important commitments a family may value. Frequency of ABA visits and length of visit will depend on the child’s needs, family needs, and specific barriers they present. Examples of these personalized goals include:
- Establish and improve communication skills
- Develop appropriate social and relationship skills
- Build adaptive and self-help skills
- Establish alternatives to challenging or unsafe behaviors
- Improve tolerance skills for daily living (like visits to the dentist or doctor).
Eligibility and Age Range
The Mary Free Bed Kids Autism Program serves children and teens from 18 months to 18 years. Availability may vary by location. Please contact the program nearest you for more information on evaluations, scheduling and insurance coverage.
Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids Autism Program
Families trust Mary Free Bed for our collaborative approach, individualized care and dedication to helping children achieve meaningful progress. Our multidisciplinary team works closely with families to create a supportive, nurturing environment where every child can learn, grow and succeed.