Autism Acceptance Month highlights resources that support opportunities for Michiganders

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.

“Every Michigander with autism deserves the chance to thrive,” said Gov. Whitmer. “During Autism Acceptance Month, and every month, we are committed to providing Michiganders with autism, their families, and their caregivers with the support they need to live a full, productive, and rewarding life here in Michigan. We all have a role to play in promoting acceptance of autism, fighting the stigma, and being more inclusive in everyday life. Let’s keep working together to help people ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. About 1 in 31 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 an opportunity for all Michiganders to advocate for, embrace and support individuals with autism,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “We are focused on creating opportunities for everyone to reach their full potential, including Michiganders living with autism. 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.”

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, in the U.S., 22.8% of people with a disability were employed in 2025. At the same time, nearly 60% of people with autism are employed after receiving vocational rehabilitation services. The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council reported 20.7% of people with disabilities in Michigan live in poverty, relative to 10.7% of those without disabilities.

“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 are well-equipped to 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 their training 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.

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 behavior 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, we reaffirm our commitment to expanding equitable access to services and supports for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families across Michigan,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Through ongoing partnerships with community organizations, sustained investments and a focus on removing barriers to care, MDHHS is working to ensure every individual with autism has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive and fully participate in their community.”

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 appreciate Governor Whitmer's recognition of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month this April,” said Colleen Allen, CEO of the Autism Alliance of Michigan. “Individuals with autism and their families deserve the same opportunities to access care, community, and our state systems as any other resident of this great state. Inclusion for all individuals has been a priority of her administration which has had a positive, lasting impact on our community.”

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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