These are resources every family should have easily accessible — whether or not you're currently a Maple ABA Therapy client. We've kept this page focused purely on genuine safety and crisis information.
Immediate Emergencies
| Situation | Contact |
|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | 911 |
| Poison exposure | Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 |
| Suicide or mental health crisis (any age) | 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 |
Michigan-Specific Crisis Resources
| Resource | What They Provide |
|---|---|
| Your county Community Mental Health (CMH) crisis line | Local crisis response and stabilization services; contact information varies by county |
| Autism Alliance of Michigan MiNavigator | 1-877-463-AAOM — resource navigation, including in urgent situations |
Elopement and Wandering Safety
If your child is at risk of elopement (leaving safe supervision without permission), proactive resources matter before an emergency happens:
| Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Local police/fire department special needs registry | Many Michigan departments maintain voluntary registries that speed response time |
| Autism Alliance of Michigan GPS scholarship | Financial assistance for GPS tracking devices — 1-877-463-AAOM |
| 911 | For an active elopement emergency, call immediately — provide a recent photo and identifying details if possible |
We cover elopement prevention and safety planning in much greater depth in our Elopement and Wandering: Safety Strategies guide.
Behavioral Crisis Support
If your child is experiencing a significant behavioral crisis — not an immediate safety emergency, but a situation beyond what you can manage in the moment — contact your county's Community Mental Health crisis line, or your child's BCBA if you're an active Maple ABA Therapy client. For situations involving immediate risk of harm, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Poison Control and Medical Safety
Many autistic children explore their environment in ways that can include mouthing or ingesting non-food items. Keep Poison Control's number (1-800-222-1222) saved and visible, and don't hesitate to call for any suspected ingestion, even if you're unsure it's serious.
For Caregivers Specifically
If you are a parent or caregiver struggling with your own mental health, burnout, or crisis-level stress, 988 is available for you too — not just for your child. We address caregiver wellbeing directly in our Self-Care for Autism Parents guide, but if you're in genuine crisis right now, please use the resources on this page rather than waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 988 only for suicidal crises?
No — 988 is available for any mental health crisis, including significant caregiver stress or a family member's behavioral crisis, not exclusively suicidal ideation.
What should I do if my child elopes right now?
Call 911 immediately, and provide a recent photo, physical description, and any known behaviors relevant to search (attraction to water, tendency toward specific locations).
Are these resources only for Maple ABA Therapy clients?
No. This page is intended as a public safety resource for any Michigan family, regardless of whether you use our services.
Where can I find my county's specific CMH crisis line?
Contact information varies by county — a web search for "[your county] Community Mental Health crisis line" or contacting the Autism Alliance of Michigan can help you find your specific local number.
References
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- American Association of Poison Control Centers
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services — Community Mental Health services by county
- Autism Alliance of Michigan — MiNavigator and GPS scholarship program