In honor of April’s Autism Awareness Month, I wanted to share some basic facts about autism, local resources, and upcoming Michigan events.
Simply put, Autism is a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral difficulties. Autism occurs on a spectrum, which means it affects individuals differently, and in different degrees. One person with autism is one person with autism—the experience is unique to each individual and should be approached and understood this way.
- Autism occurs on a spectrum. Autism prevalence is now in 1 in every 68 children in America (Center for Disease Control, 2014).
- Early intervention and diagnosis of autism improves treatment outcome. It is important to know the signs and symptoms!
- Children (people) with autism may struggle understanding and communicating emotional experiences but they have feelings, can recognize emotion and experience empathy.
- There are many treatments available for people with autism. A treatment plan should be developed based on the individual’s needs, strengths and weaknesses.
Check out these Great Resources to Learn More!
Autism Speaks: General information and research about autism. Great toolkits for parents regarding what to do for the first 100 days following a diagnosis, behavioral treatments and advocacy
Autism Alliance of Michigan: Provides up to date information about autism, resources in Michigan and an age by age guide for navigating a autism across childhood. The Alliance also has a navigator system providing free case management services for access to services and resources in Michigan.
Get Involved to Raise Money and Awareness! Save the Dates!
Autism Society of Michigan 5K for Autism Acceptance Saturday April 29, 2017 @ 9:00 a.m. Lansing, Michigan
Michigan Shines for Autism Gala Saturday April 29, 2017 6:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. DTE Energy Headquarters Detroit, Michigan
Navigating Autism Today Regional Conference Friday May 12, 2017 Bavarian Inn Frankenmuth, Michigan Conference is free for families, professionals are asked to pay $50.00
Third Annual Autism Hero Walk Saturday July 30 7:30-11:30 Detroit Zoo
