autism - Autism Alliance of Michigan

Help with a 19 year-old with ASD who does not sleep at night

Question: My 19-year-old severely autistic son no longer sleeps at night. He stays awake at night and is very agitated. He does not sleep during the day either, so it is

Tips On How To Survive The 4th Of July

Growing up 4th of July was not just the highlight of summer vacation but the entire year. There is just something special about colorful explosions painting the night sky accompanied by the big brass of John Phillips Sousa or the Patriotic taps of George Cohen that beats Santa and his army of elves any day.

Meet Your Navigators–Jill Matson

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At Work, With Autism

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Over 140 People Receive Support at the Navigating Autism Today Regional Conference in Frankenmuth

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Meet Your Navigators–Emma Tryson

At Autism Alliance of Michigan, the soul of our programs is our Navigator Team. We rave about this group all year long, so, we want to spend some time highlighting out heroes–our Navigators.

This team of dedicated individuals works day and night to find answers to all autism questions. They spend the time researching so so caretakers can focus on what’s most important–their loved ones with autism.

So here is our 2nd installment of Meet Your AAoM Navigators. We sat down with Emma Tryson, who was one of the original Navigators on our team.

2017 Michigan Shines for Autism Gala Recap

The theme of the 6th annual Michigan Shines for Autism Gala was “Expect the Unexpected: An evening celebrating the unexpected gifts around us.” From 8 year old MC Keith Tryson to a menu of gourmet sliders and tater-tots (Keith’s favorite) to Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley tickling the ivories and singing with the Aim High Flyers, this was one evening, we won’t forget. Thank you to all who attended, donated and supported us in our most successful Gala to date!

Feel Good Friday: Alex’s Special Eats

Alex, our son, was diagnosed with autism 18 years ago. He is currently in a postsecondary autistic vocational program. Like his peers, he is now a 20-year-old adult facing a world of limited work options. Alex and many of his friends find great pleasure in focusing on food. As he has grown up, and through his vocational program, he has learned about recipes, food preparation and most recently, serving food. Food vending seems to bring together all of these skills and interests.

Meet Your Navigators–Roba Hrisseh

At Autism Alliance of Michigan, the soul of our programs is our Navigator Team. We rave about this group all year long, so this April, we want to spend some time highlighting out heroes–our Navigators.

So here is our 1st installment of Meet Your AAoM Navigators. We sat down with Roba Hrisseh, who was one of the original Navigators on our team.

AAoM At The Dearborn Autism Carnival

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Our Story…A Novi Family Shares Their Side

As we celebrate autism awareness month, Autism Alliance of Michigan shares a very personal letter from an autism mom written to other autism parents. We could think of no better demonstration of the need for autism awareness, education, and training for those we love.

Autism Alliance of Michigan’s Navigator Team Presented to United Shore in Troy

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New Supreme Court Ruling Affects Special Education

AAoM celebrates this week’s significant US Supreme Court ruling which will impact all families who struggle to secure the highest level of special educational supports and services for their child. All children deserve an opportunity to meet their highest potential and this action brings us one step closer to making that happen.

Q and A with Autism Alliance of Michigan on Sesame Street’s Newest Muppet with Autism

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Novi School District Faces Multimillion Dollar Jury Trail In Special Education Case

The Novi case is among others in recent years (that have come to our attention) resulting from a lack of sufficient training and preventative measures to keep children with autism safe while at school. The link to the Novi case is here, when it first broke http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/defenders/defenders-alleged-sex-crime-at-local-school_20151201233813518. The hearing took place in October, 2016 in Federal Court, in Flint.

Over 300 people gather for 3rd annual Navigating Autism Today Conference

Autism Alliance of Michigan welcomed over 300 parents, caregivers and providers to Schoolcraft’s VisTaTech Center in Livonia last Thursday for a day of education, learning and networking with community services providers, educators, other parents and, of course, AAoM professional staff.

Breaking Down Restraint and Seclusion

This month’s newsletter covers the newly enacted Seclusion and Restraint bills that were passed at the end of 2016. AAoM is so proud to have supported and advocated for this important legislation from the beginning. We hear from families and teachers on a regular basis who need more support and training for a child with challenging behaviors, who are subject to practices of seclusion and restraint that should be reserved for emergent situations.

Autism Alliance of Michigan Navigates Employment with Ford

Autism Alliance of Michigan and Ford were featured on NBC Nightly News for their new initiative Ford Inclusive Works. Take a look at one of our success stories from the pilot program. Ford plans to expand this program to include 24 more individuals on the spectrum in 2017.

University of Michigan Fraternities and Sororities Raise over $200,000 over 3 Years for Michigan Families Living With Autism

Thirty-two University of Michigan fraternities and sororities came together last weekend to raise funds to support the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM).

Happy Holidays Autism Community!

As another year passes, we know that many parents are consumed with overwhelming concerns about their child’s well-being once they are gone. Financial planning becomes critical and information about MiAble and Special Needs Trusts can be empowering in this regard. We hope the information in this issue is valuable to you and the families you serve.

Holiday Tips From An Autism Parent

While sometimes the mixture of autism and the holidays can produce stale fruit bread (instead of spiced eggnog), it doesn’t make the holiday season any less special. Christmas, for our family, is honestly one of the best times for the year, but it doesn’t come easy. It requires planning, a positive attitude and the willingness to be flexible.

Important Legislation Regarding Restraint and Seclusion is Heading to a Vote

The Restraint and Seclusion Legislation has passed Committee in the State House and will now be voted on in the Michigan House of Representatives. Afterwards, the legislation will need to go through the same voting process in the Senate. Your voice can be heard loud and clear by contacting your State Representatives and State Senators. To find out who your Reps are, use this handy tool and consider giving them a call or writing to ask for their vote in support of HBs 5409-5418 and SBs 835-838.

AAoM & DWMHA Hold Two Free Trainings

Once again AAoM is happy to partner with DWMHA to offer training for community families and providers, working together to help keep individuals with autism safe, and prevent crises. Please join us!

Temple Quotes to Move You

Over 700 Michiganders enjoyed a fired up lecture from Temple Grandin today in Lansing at the New Horizon’s Autism and Asperger Syndrome Conference. Temple Grandin is a world-renowned woman on the spectrum who is a professor, engineer, author, and sometimes controversial speaker. If you haven’t had the opportunity to hear her speak, read her books, or see her biography, here are some of her ‘gems’ from today:

Sensory Friendly Holiday events

Holidays can be stressful and overwhelming for Special Needs families, individuals with different sensory processing abilities can become easily overstimulated given larger crowds, lights, music, and the temptation of toys. Retail and organizations across our state are becoming increasingly aware of the struggles facing families, as a result more Sensory Friendly activities and events are available.

Elisabeth Berry, Young Professionals Board Chair, to be Recognized as Distinguished Volunteer

ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS (AFP) GREATER DETROIT CHAPTER TO RECOGNIZE ELISABETH BERRY AS DISTINGUISHED VOLUNTEER AT 25TH ANNUAL NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY DINNER

5 Tips for a Successful Autism-Friendly Halloween

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The Michigan ABLE Act

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Michigan Department of Education Survey will Collect Input for Meeting Federal Grant Obligations

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AAoM’s GPS Program Gives Parents Peace Of Mind

When Autism Alliance of Michigan heard Laurie’s story, our Navigator team sprung into action and delivered an AngelSense GPS Unit to her, so she wouldn’t have to go another day

Autism Alliance of Michigan and Microsoft Team Up for Rise AT Summit

Autism Alliance of Michigan and Microsoft hosted an all-day Assistive Technology (AT) Summit in Southfield this past Friday. Over 75 attendees enjoyed breakout sessions specific to AT, from apps to

Sensory Friendly Saturdays

The Autism Alliance of Michigan is teaming up with local museums and attractions to offer sensory friendly experiences for families and individuals on the autism spectrum during the month of

Help with Life Insurance Policy for Son with Autism

Question: Our son has autism. Recently we attempted to obtain a life insurance policy for him. The application was rejected based on the autism diagnosis. What can I do? Response

Help! Now that I have an autism diagnosis for my son…what’s next?

Question: My son finally was able to be diagnosed by the School’s education team that oversees his IEP as ASD. He is in 5th grade and 11 years old. Since he

Calley Calling For New Funds With Special Education Report

Lt. Governor Brian Calley announced that the executive budget recommendation coming Wednesday would include new funds to implement portions of the Special Education Task Force report he unveiled to the

Red Wings Win 3-0 and AAoM Benefits!

We were invited to participate in the Detroit Red Wings Foundation’s 50/50 Raffle on Monday February 8th, while the Wings were battling the Panthers. On the ice, we had a

MiNavigator Can Help Find The Right Swim Class For You

As our Navigators partner on the journey with parents raising children with autism and related disorders, sometimes we come across a ‘rare find’ worth mentioning. Goldfish Swim School is just

AAoM had a Great Time with Elmo and Friends

For the third year in a row, AAoM had the privilege of working with Olympia Entertainment and Vee Corporation to host an autism-friendly performance of Sesame Street Live: Let’s Dance

MiNavigator Helps Family in Indiana!

A great story came in through MiNavigator this week. Grandparents in Crawfordsville who are seniors and facing their own health issues are raising their grandchildren, one an 8 year old

What federal and Michigan laws do we need to be aware of as we advocate for our child with ASD?

Question: Our physician recently told us that our 2 year old child is “on the autism spectrum”. What federal and Michigan laws do we need to be aware of as we

Michigan Laws regarding the use of punishment, positive behavior intervention, restriction and seclusion

Question: I have a child with autism. I am trying to understand what Michigan laws exist regarding the use of punishment, positive behavior intervention, restriction and seclusion in controlling my child’s

Help! Son attends Private School for Children with Learning Disorders…possible state reimbursement?

Question: Our son is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and attends a private school designed to help children with learning disorders. He has and has always had an IEP when

10 Things To Know About The ABLE ACT

By Michael Morris, executive director of the National Disability Institute | May. 27, 2015 https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/May-2015/10-Things-You-Must-Know-about-the-ABLE-Act The Michigan ABLE Act Lt. Gov. Brian Calley signed the Michigan ABLE Act, establishing a

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