Celebrating the Spectrum of Strengths
Answers to common questions about our approach, programs, and what makes our community unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
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The Detroit School of Autism serves children ages 3–5 with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 and Level 2. Our program is designed for children who benefit from structured routines, small classroom environments, and communication-centered learning.
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Our multidisciplinary team includes access to the following professionals, allowing us to support the whole child in one setting:
Occupational Therapists
Behavioral Therapists
Speech Therapists
Licensed Autism Specialists
ABA Therapists (provided through our third-party partner, Centria, as needed)
This integrated approach supports academic, social, emotional, and daily living skill development.
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Yes. We offer 1:1 ABA therapy through our partner, Centria, when clinically appropriate.
ABA is assigned one child at a time
Sessions occur 2–3 days per week
Sessions may last up to 4 hours per day
Therapy can take place in the classroom or in a designated therapy space
Our goal is to support learning while maintaining social interaction and classroom inclusion.
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Families complete a screening tour and intake process, which allows us to explore the environment together and discuss your child’s individual needs. Our priority is always placing children in the right environment, even if that means recommending another program.
Families are encouraged to begin by completing our Parent Interest Form.
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Yes.
ABA therapy is provided through Centria and may be covered by insurance
We accept DHS / DHHS state-paid child care assistance
If you are approved through MiBridges, please bring:
Your approval letter (digital or printed), and
Complete a Child Care Verification Form (Form 4025) on site
Our team is happy to assist with questions during enrollment.
What We Offer
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We support emotional regulation and social development through structured routines, guided interactions, and individualized strategies, including:
Calm corners or cozy spaces for self-regulation
Feelings check-ins using visuals or emotion cards
Social stories and role-playing to practice real-life situations
Small-group activities that encourage communication and cooperation
Teacher-guided coping strategies such as deep breathing, movement breaks, and sensory supports
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All therapies, including ABA, speech, occupational therapy, and behavioral support, are integrated into daily classroom instruction. Skills are reinforced naturally throughout the school day to promote generalization and real-world application.
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Independence is built through consistent, hands-on practice embedded into daily routines, including:
Self-care skills: handwashing, dressing, using utensils, cleaning up
Classroom responsibilities: organizing materials, helping with tasks
Daily routines: following schedules, transitioning between activities
Problem-solving: making choices, resolving minor conflicts
Practical tasks: packing backpacks, pouring drinks, shoe tying
Community readiness: greetings, following directions, group participation
These experiences help children gain confidence, autonomy, and functional independence.
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Yes. We serve children who need structured support and integrated therapy services. Children with very mild needs or those requiring intensive Level 3 support may be referred to partner programs to ensure the best fit.
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Our philosophy is to teach children not to rely on devices. Screen time is limited and used only as a reward or instructional tool when appropriate. Personal tablets are not permitted in classrooms.
Admissions
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Children ages 3–5, including Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten
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Enrollment begins by scheduling a tour or completing the Parent Interest Questionnaire. These steps help us determine whether our program is the right fit for your child.
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We specialize in serving children with mild to moderate autism (Levels 1–2) who benefit from small classrooms, routine, and integrated therapies. When a different setting is more appropriate, we help guide families to supportive alternatives.
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We use Brightwheel, a secure parent communication app. Once enrolled, families receive an invitation using the email provided during registration.
Brightwheel allows for:
Direct messaging with teachers
Daily activity updates and photos
Digital attendance and paperwork
Incident reports with immediate notifications
End-of-day summaries of your child’s activities
Our team will assist with setup before your child’s first day.
Tuition & Payment
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Tuition is $450 per week for Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten programs.
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Yes. There is a $50 annual registration fee.
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We accept the following forms of payment:
State-paid child care assistance (DHHS/DHS)
Private pay
Electronic payments through Brightwheel
Our enrollment team will review payment options with you during intake.