Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) was founded with the vision that people with autism will lead lives that meet their greatest potential. AAoM leads efforts to raise expectations and expand
Category: Featured Headlines
When it comes to autism and mental health, stigma and discrimination play a huge role
Autism Alliance of Michigan was founded with the vision that people with autism will lead lives that meet their greatest potential. We lead efforts to raise expectations and expand opportunities
Summertime is “a time of possibilities” and challenges for autistic kids and adults
Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) was founded with the vision that people with autism will lead lives that meet their greatest potential. AAoM leads efforts to raise expectations and expand
Upcoming Community Events – September / October
September 19 Support Group: IEP Info and School Help September 19 Inspire Change Gala September 23 Autism Community Day September 24 Teen and Young Adult Social Group: Bowling and Pizza
Transition to Adulthood
School has begun, which can be an exciting time, but also a stressful one. As our children get older it’s natural to think about the next step. This can be
Navigating the back to school season with AAoM
It’s been 1 year since our last newsletter was dedicated to back to school needs, and here we are yet again, wondering where our summer went! For this edition of
Volunteer Spotlight: Everyday Superheroes Autism Alliance of Michigan
More children than ever are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, largely attributed to progress in early detection and greater understanding and awareness; and the question of where families should
Corner Health sensory room makes accessing healthcare easier for people living with autism
“Access to sensory rooms in a doctor’s office will ensure that every autistic child is receiving the care they need in a space that is comfortable and minimizes stress.” —
Commemorating Juneteenth
Contributed by AAoM’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee In 2021 the United States Congress officially made Juneteenth a Federal Holiday. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it
Using Technology to Address a Common Need: How the All Smiles Shine App is Working to Build Ease Around Dental Visits
Contributed by Erik Gallery, BCBA, LBA, Navigator Manager A trip to the dentist’s office isn’t a highly preferred activity for most people. Even a visit for just a cleaning can
Autism Alliance of Michigan celebrates Supreme Court decision
The education system failed Miguel Luna Perez. In 2004, the 9-year-old moved from Mexico to Michigan with his family. Young Miguel had not had any formal education, and his parents
Take Action Now! Without Direct Care Workers, Michigan’s behavioral health system will collapse.
Please join AAoM in our support of Michigan’s Direct Care Workers. Our behavioral health system is facing serious impacts without the action of our legislature. We ask that you take
With New Approach, Advocates for the Autistic are Learning to Get Loud by Neal Rubin
The fight for people with autism in Michigan is about to get loud. Forceful. Impassioned. Rebranded, even. But it might take some practice. Former Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, for instance,
Johnson-Hooper: How Bias Traps Children of Color in Autism Diagnoses
What I’m about to tell you frustrates me as a doctor and angers me as a human being. A mother recently brought her 10-year-old African American son to my multidisciplinary
I Was Shocked by The Use of Seclusion and Restraint in Michigan Schools by Brian Calley
Restraining and secluding children in schools only escalates problematic and dangerous behaviors and can cause serious injuries, emotional damage, or even death. Yet, in many schools throughout the United States,
Commentary: Ignoring the Rights of Michiganders with Disabilities is Bad for Business by Dave Meador
Do civil rights extend to people with disabilities in Michigan? It’s hard to believe this question is being asked in 2023. Everyone deserves to be included and live a full
Why Does Michigan Fail People Like Miguel Perez? by Colleen Allen
Miguel Perez is a 27-year-old man facing a life of dependence, isolation, and limited opportunities to be fully included as a member of our community. It didn’t have to be
Colleen Allen interview with Alisa Zee
President and CEO of AAoM, Colleen Allen speaks to Sunday Morning Edition radio show host Alisa Zee about the evolution and education of community awareness and acceptance of Autism and
Marc Berke interview with Alisa Zee
Sunday Morning Edition radio host interviews Chief Development Officer, Mark Berke about the work happening at AAOM, Autism Awareness and Acceptance and how you can support the mission.
Autism Alliance of Michigan is the trusted resource for the autism community
Whether a toddler has just received an autism diagnosis or a teenager with autism needs support preparing for her first job, the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is here to
University of Michigan Fraternities and Sororities Raise $210,000 for Charities
Employee Spotlight: Black History Month
Dating and Relationships: A review of tips and resources for a need that affects us all
It’s difficult to escape the idea of love and romance in February. This month is known for the holiday that is Valentine’s Day, and we’re made to see that almost
Upcoming Community Events – February 2023
Date Event Location February 20 Hip-Hop Dance Routine Traverse City February 21 Iyengar Yoga Traverse City February 21 Building Connections & Community Ann Arbor February 22 Bad Axe Inclusive
Upcoming Community Events – December
December 12 Annual Holiday Party for Families December 12 Inclusive Arts & Craft Class December 15 Teen & Young Adult Social Group: Holiday Party! December 15 Mental Health First Aid
Happy Holidays
Contributed by AAoM’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee This holiday season we want to highlight just a few of the many celebrations and traditions that take place this time of
Upcoming Community Events – October
Date Event October 25 Strategies to Improve Motivation October 26 Teen and Young Adult Social Group: Halloween Party! October 27 Halloween Dance Party October 27 The Arc of Midland –
A Review of Current Insurance Topics
Contributed by Chaunta Tsegaye, MSA, WIP-C, Program Manager/Insurance Specialist Every year I try to find something more insightful than the year before to share with families and this year I
Upcoming Community Events – August
Date Event August 30 Adult Autistic Peer Support Group (Online) August 30 Virtual Group Peer Support (Online) August 30 Phenomenal Women Support Group (Online) August 30 Essentials of Business Solutions
Health Care Disparities Affecting Individuals with Autism
Contributed by AAoM’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee The health care system can be intimidating and confusing to navigate. However, for autistic individuals facing disparities when it comes to accessing
Back to School with AAoM – Tips, Resources, and Training for a Successful Year Ahead!
Contributed by Erik Gallery It seems like we say it every time when this season starts to end, but wow, that was a quick summer! With the end of summer
Understanding Microaggressions
Contributed by AAoM’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Microaggressions are things we say or do, sometimes unintentionally, that send hurtful messages related to race, gender, class, ability, or other factors.
Upcoming Community Events – July/August
Date Event July 28 32nd Anniversary of the ADA Celebration July 30 Cookout at Veterans Memorial Park August 3 REC-IT Cooking Classes – Fort Gratiot August 4 Adaptive Sailing August
Prevalence of Delays to Receiving Behavioral Therapy in Michigan: A Summary of Survey Data
Contributed by Adam M. Briggs, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA & Andrea M. Peterson, MA, BCBA, LBA Eastern Michigan University In response to the growing number of barriers faced by families and
The Michigan Autism Council Celebrating 10 Years of Bridging Systems to Enhance Lives for People with ASD
On July 3, we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Michigan becoming a leading state in bridging systems and providing services to individuals with autism. Before 2012, families with children or
Autism caregiving struggles were heightened during COVID-19
As the father of an adult son with severe autism, my family’s challenges have been great over the past two years. I imagine most parents and caregivers of children with
BCBSM Removes Age Limits for Covered Autism Treatment Services
Autistic is not a dirty word, we are not broken
As an autistic person, I am often asked to describe and discuss autism. While I can only speak from my own experience, there are some common threads between me and my
Awareness of autism and acceptance are good, action is even better
April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. The word “acceptance” was recently added, better reflecting the goal of inclusion, diversity, completeness and our core human connections to one another. And
Autism diagnosis, access to services still show disparities by race and gender
In the earliest days of the pandemic, it was obvious that some communities felt the impact at an entirely different level than others. While we have only begun to recognize and
Upcoming Community Events – March/April/May
March 18 Navigating Autism Today Conference March 18 SibShops March 19 Father’s Autism Support Group April 4 Autism 101 Lunch & Learn April 9 Father’s Autism Support Group April 13
What is Neurodiversity?: AAoM’s Upbound Candidates’ Views and Thoughts
Autism: A Shield and Barrier Autism for me is not the presence of something, but rather something missing – a kind of social blindness. In groups of more than three
DEIC Milestones in 2021
Contributed by AAoM’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee The DEIC would like to thank you all for sharing your stories and allowing us to share them with others. This year
Happy Holidays; Insights and Memories from the Autism Community
Upcoming Community Events – December/January/February
December 10 Sibshops December 13 Genesee Autism Support Group December 14 Special Needs Music Group! December 18 Father’s Support Group December 21 Special Needs Music Group! December 27-31 The Fowler
The Importance of Getting Vaccinated Against COVID
The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) supports current United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) vaccination guidelines for both routine childhood immunizations and the COVID-19 vaccination. AAoM recommends children
Upcoming Community Events – October/November
October 21 The After I’m Gone Program- Social Security Programs October 22 The Michigan Guardianship Association Fall 2021 Conference October 23 Virtual Halloween Party! October 23 Autism Alliance of Barry
Making a Difference
Contributed by AAoM’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee The Autism Alliance of Michigan collaborated with DTE and their Impact Student Scholars on their two day Autism Awareness event in August,
A Place to Start Regarding Insurance Information
Contributed by Chaunta Tsegaye, MSA, Insurance Specialist, AAoM The landscape of healthcare has changed leaving families with more questions and concerns than ever before. In past issues we have always
Autism Cultural Competency Statistics
Contributed by AAoM’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee