Autism Acceptance Month promotes a more inclusive Michigan

Resources are available to support people with autism and their family members

LANSING, Mich. — To foster acceptance and encourage Michiganders to work together to build a more inclusive state that supports opportunities for all, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the Michigan Departments of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), Education (MDE), Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Autism Alliance of Michigan to proclaim April as Autism Acceptance Month.

“Michigan is a welcoming state where everyone must be able to reach their full potential,” said Gov. Whitmer. “During Autism Acceptance Month, we encourage all Michiganders to learn more about autism, recognize the different strengths individuals with autism have to offer, and support our family, friends, and neighbors with autism. Let’s keep working together to make record, bipartisan investments in our students so they can build brighter futures in Michigan.”

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. About 1 in 36 children have been identified with ASD according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.

“We are dedicated to providing Michiganders with autism and their families and caregivers with the support they need to live productive and rewarding lives,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Supporting people with autism helps us deliver on our mission to close equity gaps, remove barriers, and help people on their pathway to economic prosperity.”

LEO, MDE, MDHHS, Autism Alliance of Michigan and many other community providers across the state have resources for individuals with autism, ranging from identification and diagnosis, to support, training and intervention. While treatments and education for children are critical towards improving outcomes for this population, eventually, individualized and customized support, comprehensive training and better advocacy and outreach strategies are needed to obtain, maintain and advance employment opportunities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 21% of people with disabilities, including those with autism, are employed. At the same time, nearly 60% of people with autism are employed after receiving vocational rehabilitation services.

“Individuals with autism have incredible strengths and talents that often go untapped – our workforce is strengthened by their contributions,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “We are committed to supporting employment opportunities for all Michiganders, including those with autism. Our vocational rehabilitation programs, including the nationally recognized Michigan Career and Technical Institute in Plainwell, assist individuals with autism in identifying their personal and professional goals and providing them with the right supports and services to help them achieve success.”

LEO offers a number of vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with autism through Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Through its statewide network, Michigan Rehabilitation Services develops creative, customized solutions to help individuals with disabilities prepare for and obtain competitive employment and achieve economic self-sufficiency. Michigan Career and Technical Institute, the second-largest rehabilitation training center in the country, offers 12 technical training programs, each designed to support the integration of Michiganders with disabilities into both the competitive workplace and society. Information about the programs can be found at Michigan.gov/MCTI.

“Inclusive education welcomes all students and supports learning across all environments in the school setting,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “MDE is committed to supporting inclusive education for students with autism and is proud to partner with the Statewide Autism Resources and Training (START) project, LEO, MDHHS and the Autism Alliance of Michigan to move schools and communities beyond inclusion and to a place where people with autism are welcome and appreciated.”

Housed in the Grand Valley State University Autism Education Center, START is a MDE grant-funded initiative. START works with families, schools and community partners to support children, students and young adults with autism in being active and engaged in their schools and communities and transitioning into adulthood, where they have opportunities for independent living, meaningful work and post-secondary education in adulthood. START provides professional learning and evidence-based resources to schools throughout the state that support students with autism.

Among the many services MDHHS provides to eligible Medicaid beneficiaries diagnosed with ASD are applied behavioral analysis; community living supports; family support and training; financial intermediary; enhanced pharmacy; environmental modifications; housing assistance; skill building; specialized medical equipment and supplies; supported/integrated employment; respite care and vehicle modifications.

“Autism Acceptance Month is a great opportunity to show support for those affected by autism spectrum disorder, as well as their families and caregivers,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Over the past 10 years, MDHHS has continued to work toward expanding access to care and supporting better treatment standards and outcomes for families affected by autism in our state. In 2023, MDHHS supported autism spectrum disorder evaluations for 27,449 children and provided Adaptive Behavior Treatment to 8,545 children. MDHHS remains committed to expanding services and addressing barriers to care for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder.”

Symptoms and characteristics of autism can vary significantly from one individual to the next and may result in significant, lifelong challenges in areas of learning, social-interactive behaviors and understanding verbal as well as nonverbal communication. Acceptance and inclusion are key to an individual’s independence in their community. Many individuals with autism possess and learn exceptional skills and talents valuable to the business community.

“We applaud Governor Whitmer in proclaiming April as Autism Acceptance Month,” said Colleen Allen, CEO of the Autism Alliance of Michigan. "While we have made great progress as a state in securing critical services and support for people with autism, there is still a long way to go. Continuing to raise awareness, acceptance, inclusion and justice for people with autism and other disabilities is critical to making Michigan a top 10 state for care access, equitable education, employment opportunities, and ultimately, independence.”

Discover the mission and resources of Autism Alliance of Michigan by visiting AutismAllianceOfMichigan.org. You can also learn more about how MDE and MDHHS support individuals with autism by visiting MDE’s Special Education website or Michigan.gov/Autism.