For many families, the pandemic has placed a vast amount of stress on the shoulders of parents and children alike. For families who have an autistic child (or parent), the burden was significant.
“Following two years of pandemic lockdowns, school and business closures, and disruptors in almost every aspect of life, the effects on individuals in Michigan’s autism community have been particularly challenging,” states the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) as they launched their statewide education campaign: a three-year $1.5 million campaign to improve and create health and wellness opportunities for autistic people across the state.
AAoM’s mission is to lead efforts to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people affected by autism across their lifespan. They believe our world’s best possible future is one that brims with diverse talents, ideas, abilities, and people.
Any person with an autistic child, or who is autistic themselves, can speak firsthand about the challenges, high likelihood of bullying or discrimination, and heightened anxiety that often goes hand-in-hand with the autistic experience in our current society.
Over the pandemic, challenges to the autism community have come to the forefront. Colleen Allen, president and CEO of AAoM, says: “With autism, communication, social, and/or sensory challenges are typical. What that means is there is less ability to understand and implement safety precautions in ways those without autism can. For some individuals, wearing a mask is impossible. Others may have difficulty communicating symptoms of illness.”
People with autism can be more at risk for illness, complications, and hospitalization because of the difficulty of implementing some safety measures. Even autistic adults can struggle to communicate their sensory, verbal, or emotional needs; how much more so might an autistic child?
AAoM’s current campaign is focusing on high-quality, inclusive, and equitable education; reducing the age of initial diagnosis; and increasing employment and post-secondary educational opportunities.
Allen speaks to the impetus behind the AAoM’s initiative and the need that exists for it: “AAoM is committed to helping individuals with autism and their families progress and thrive throughout their lives. Our three-year education and awareness program, focused on health and wellness, recognizes that many individuals with autism face additional challenges to achieving independent, fulfilling lives.”
What can Washtenaw county residents expect from this initiative? Allen says, “We know that physical ailments are minimized through sensible preventive care including vaccinations – both childhood vaccinations and adult vaccinations such as flu and COVID. As we expand our vaccination-geared events throughout the state, including working with health partners on sensory-friendly COVID-19 vaccination clinics, Washtenaw County is a high priority.”
For readers interested in learning about current existing programs in Washtenaw County, Allen says that scores of resources exist currently: “Parents, families, individuals and caregivers can find these at our website: www.autismallianceofmichigan.com or by calling or emailing our staff who are here to assist at: 877-463-2266 (AAOM) or navigator@aaomi.org.”
With information about autism (ranging from descriptions and screenings to talking with your child about it), a community calendar, and neighborhood directory, AAoM’s website is a helpful resource.
