Autism Acceptance Month highlights resources and awareness to promote a more inclusive Michigan

Programs and services 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.

“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,” said Gov. Whitmer. “In Michigan, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to chase their dreams and lead rewarding, productive lives. Let’s keep working together to help all Michiganders build brighter futures in Michigan.”

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. About 1 in 36 children and 5.7 million adults, or 2.21% of the adult population, have been identified with ASD according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.

“Autism Acceptance Month is a time for all Michiganders to advocate for, embrace and support individuals with autism,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “When we break down barriers to inclusion, we empower individuals with autism to fully participate in our workforce and communities. By ensuring they, their families and caregivers have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, we strengthen Michigan’s economy and build a more diverse, skilled, and resilient workforce—helping all Michiganders prosper.”

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, 22.7% 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. In Michigan, 27.2% of people with disabilities live in poverty, relative to 10.9% of those without disabilities.

“Individuals with autism play an important role in strengthening and diversifying our state’s workforce,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “We work hard to support employment opportunities for people with autism. Our vocational rehabilitation programs 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 (MCTI), the second-largest rehabilitation training center in the country, offers 11 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.

Vocational rehabilitation programs are also available to individuals with autism through the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons. The bureau works with Michiganders who are blind or visually impaired to develop and obtain employment and independence goals, empowering them to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

“Michigan schools prioritize supporting and welcoming all children – including students with autism,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “More information about supports provided to Michigan students with autism and other disabilities can be found on the Michigan Department of Education Supports for Students with Disabilities website. Autism Acceptance Month serves as an important reminder that children with autism should be active and engaged members of school communities, part of the mission of our partners from the Statewide Autism and Training (START) Project at Grand Valley State University’s Autism Education Center. START educators increase local capacity by providing evidence-based training, resources and coaching support focused on systems-level change for the benefit of children with autism.”

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.

“During Autism Acceptance Month and throughout the year, it’s important to recognize and support individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and their families and caregivers,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “MDHHS is dedicated to expanding access to essential services and improving outcomes for Michigan children and youth. In 2024, 22,397 individuals under the age of 21 enrolled in Medicaid had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and of these, 5,913 received Adaptive Behavior Treatment to help enhance life skills, social communication and more. We continue to prioritize breaking down barriers to care and ensuring that children and youth with autism have the resources and support they need to reach their full potential.”

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.

“Michigan has made great progress in its support of autistic persons and their families. Children have access to critical, early intervention and employment opportunities for adults have increased significantly over the years,” said Colleen Allen, CEO of the Autism Alliance of Michigan. "However, we still have a long way to go to assure the greatest quality of life for this segment of our population; too many individuals cannot access acute, crisis services, housing and direct care workers, for example. Autism Awareness month is the perfect opportunity to continue to raise awareness, acceptance and inclusion of autistic persons, but these efforts should continue every day, all year long.”

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.

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