LANSING — On Mar. 18, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and the Michigan Autism Council released the Michigan Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) State Plan. This plan represents another major step to addressing the many needs of the 16,000 students with ASD in our public school system and the 50,000 individuals and their families living with ASD in our state. 

“It is our hope and belief that this plan will prompt many individuals and organizations to be actively engaged with us to address the significant needs of all individuals with ASD in Michigan,” said Colleen Allen, Ph.D., Chair of the Michigan Autism Council and President/CEO of the Autism Alliance of Michigan.

The key focus areas identified in the Michigan ASD State Plan are: 

• Infrastructure: System, Service, and Resource Coordination 

 • Family Engagement and Involvement 

• Early Identification and Intervention Services 

 • Educational Supports and Services 

• Adult Supports and Services 

• Physical, Mental, and Behavioral Health Care 

• Training and Professional Development 

The ultimate goal of this plan is to guide future planning, decision making, and resource allocation to meet the needs of individuals and families living with ASD. For more information about Michigan’s efforts to address autism and to view the Michigan ASD State Plan, visit www.michigan.gov/autism.