If you have concerns about your young child's development, Early On is one of the most important free resources available in Michigan — and one that's specifically designed to help families act on concerns as early as possible, before a formal autism diagnosis is even in place.
What Early On Is
Early On Michigan is the state's early intervention system, serving infants and toddlers from birth to age three who have a developmental delay or an established medical condition likely to result in a delay. It's a federally mandated program (under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) administered locally through Michigan's intermediate school districts.
Who's Eligible
Early On is designed for any family with a concern about their child's development in areas including communication, motor skills, cognitive development, social-emotional development, or adaptive/self-help skills. You do not need a formal diagnosis to request an Early On evaluation — a parent's concern alone is enough to request a free screening.
What the Process Looks Like
Typically, the process involves: contacting Early On directly (usually through your local intermediate school district, or via a statewide referral line), a free developmental evaluation to determine eligibility, and if your child qualifies, the development of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) outlining specific early intervention services and goals.
Services under an active IFSP might include developmental therapy, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, or other supports — delivered, in many cases, in your child's natural environment (often your home), similar in spirit to how in-home ABA therapy operates.
Why Timing Matters So Much Here
Early On exists because of exactly the same research base that supports early intervention generally: the earlier developmental concerns are addressed, the better outcomes tend to be. If you have any concern at all about your toddler's development — even before you're sure it's "serious enough" to act on — Early On is specifically built to be a low-barrier, free first step. We go deeper on why early timing matters broadly in our Early Intervention guide.
How Early On Connects to an Eventual Autism Diagnosis
For many families, Early On involvement happens before or alongside the process of pursuing a formal autism evaluation. Early On staff can also help guide families toward next steps if a child's needs suggest an autism-specific evaluation may be warranted.
Getting Started for Midland-Area Families
You can find your local Early On contact information through the Michigan Department of Education's Early On website, or by asking your pediatrician for a direct referral. Organizations like Michigan Alliance for Families and the Autism Alliance of Michigan can also help point you toward your local Early On contact if you're not sure where to start.
Our Individual ABA Therapy service is designed around exactly this kind of goal. If your Midland-area child is a bit older and you're now exploring ABA therapy specifically, our ABA therapy in Midland page has more information, or Get Started Today to get started.
This article is part of our directory, The Complete Directory of Autism Resources in West & Central Michigan. Clinically reviewed by Kimberly Blazer, BCBA.