The Henry Ford Health Generational Resilience Opportunity and Wellness (GROW) Center for Autism and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) conducts thorough evaluations for autism and IDD using a variety of standardized, evidence-based diagnostic tools and methods.
Contact the GROW diagnostic program to learn how we can assist you
We create a customized treatment plan with you and your family that addresses your specific needs and goals. Learn about the team of specialists at GROW involved with diagnosing and treating autism, and how we are moving care forward for individuals with autism.
At Henry Ford Health we believe in the power of teamwork. Our entire team of diagnostic specialists collaborate to provide a well-rounded perspective on each person’s strengths and challenges. Then we create a personalized treatment plan and connect you with the specialists and resources to guide you every step of the way.
Here you can learn more about how our diagnostic team’s approach and services for autism and IDD:
Navigating the journey of an autism diagnosis can be challenging, regardless of someone’s age. Our diagnostic process is designed to increase access to comprehensive, compassionate and coordinated care that’s tailored to the unique needs of each person and family.
Our diagnostic team includes the GROW coordinator, health and wellness navigator, psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, speech therapists, pediatricians, family medicine provider, and social workers who collaborate to provide a well-rounded perspective on each person’s strengths and challenges.
We conduct thorough evaluations using a variety of standardized, evidence-based diagnostic tools and methods, along with interviews and observations to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
We recognize that autistic individuals and those with IDD may experience healthcare differently. Our team provides:
We adapt our care to meet patients’ needs—not the other way around.
The health and wellness navigator role is designed to serve as a bridge between our IDD community and the healthcare and social service systems. The Navigator supports our patients with IDD and their families by connecting them with the resources and services they need to improve their health, wellbeing, and inclusion in the community. Key responsibilities include:
Our commitment to your journey does not end with a diagnosis. We create a customized treatment plan with you and your family that addresses your specific needs and goals. Whether it’s medical recommendations, behavioral interventions, therapies, educational resources or community connections, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
We collaborate with our specialized speech-language and feeding therapy programs designed to support individuals with ASD or IDD in enhancing communication skills and addressing feeding challenges. Contact our speech and feeding teams to learn more about their personalized therapy services.
We will also help you prioritize all recommendations, populating your patient portal with ASD-specific resources and ensuring you have access to the tools you need for success.
Single Session Intervention (SSI) is available for patients diagnosed with autism who also experience depression or anxiety. SSI helps reduce the long wait times for Behavioral Health services; SSI is a one‑time session that provides practical tools and support you can start using right away. This way, you can get helpful strategies to manage your symptoms while you wait for longer‑term Behavioral Health care.
Dr. Tisa Johnson-Hooper partnered with Press Ganey to create the first-ever patient engagement surveys designed to assess the quality of care and patient experience related to ASD diagnosis, diagnostic feedback, and ABA therapy. GROW uses these specific patient experience surveys to understand how our patients and families experience our diagnostic and feedback services. We actively review your feedback and make improvements to our care model based on what you share with us.
GROW Center for Autism and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is located at Henry Ford Medical Center – Harbortown.
This location is the first Henry Ford Health site to receive the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI) Most Valuable Provider (MVP) certification. This certification recognizes healthcare providers and medical centers who create accessible, welcoming, and inclusive environments for people with disabilities. Certification involves completing specialized training and implementing inclusive practices.
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