Events Nationally & Locally Highlight Autsim AwarenessEvents Nationally & Locally Highlight Autsim Awareness

4/2/14 - If you see blue lights up on area homes and businesses today, it’s likely not a case of procrastinating getting down the holiday lights, but instead a way to show awareness of a disorder that is increasingly affecting more and more children. Today is World Autism Awareness Day, and many Michiganders will use blue lights to mark the occasion. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 68 U.S. kids now has autism, a 30 percent increase from just two years ago. Those who are working to raise awareness of the disorder in Michigan say now is the time for action from Washington. Kaitlin Hart, senior coordinator for field development with the Michigan chapter of Autism Speaks, said autism is a national health issue that requires a national strategy. Now, she said, even an event such as a job transfer to another state can send a family dealing with autism into a tailspin. "Insurance is different in every state, so they might have lost that awesome coverage - or they might go from a state with little to no coverage to a state that has amazing coverage." While the state has made big strides when it comes to awareness and support, Hart said she hopes World Autism Day will help more Michiganders truly understand what it's like to live with autism spectrum disorders. Michigan is one of 34 states to pass autism insurance reform legislation, helping to cover the high cost of therapy for kids on the spectrum. More information is available online at AutismSpeaks.org. There will also be an event later this month to help raise awareness of the disorder. Boxing Autism, a local nonprofit that supports autism families will join with the Arc of Livingston on Wednesday, April 30th to host Alex Kimmel at the 2|42 Community Church in Genoa Township. Kimmel, who is nonverbal because of his autism, will use a communication device to speak on disability acceptance and self-determination. The event is made possible through a grant from the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council. You’ll find a link below for details. (JK)