Thanking 3rd Party Fundraisers

With a passionate mission to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people touched by autism across the lifespan, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) relies on outside support from the greater

October MiNavigator Newsletter

For our October issue, we felt it was a good time to provide some professional guidance and interpretation for Michigan’s new Seclusion and Restraint legislation – being implemented across the state this school year. Many of you may not realize the impact of these new laws, but for some parents who have experienced previously unfair (and in some cases, unsafe) practices of seclusion and restraint against their own child, the significance of this educational reform cannot be understated.

AAoM’s September MiNavigator Newsletter

Well, September is upon us. It is back to school time, change of seasons, busier daily schedules and of course, more stress. This month, we feature Tracey Cohen, who shares her story (and love) of running and how this activity has provided her with a healthy outlet for the challenges she has faced living with autism. It is truly inspiring and we hope you will take some lessons from Tracey. Additionally, we are always conscious that the start of the school year is a good opportunity for families (and providers) to be thinking long term – planning for a child’s future, not just for this year, but even multiple years down the road, when he/she will become a young adult. We hope you will share the information with families, working together in this planning process. Happy September!

Over 120 People Receive Free Safety Plans At Autism Alliance Of Michigan’s Safety Fair In Detroit

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AAoM Knows Safety

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Michigan Falls Short On Special Education Services

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How Michigan’s 2018 Budget Effects People with Disabilities

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Livingston Safety Fair

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Happy July!

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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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Summer is finally here!

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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!

Building A Gross Motor Plan

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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.

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 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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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