Is Michigan Autism Plan a Step in the Right Direction, Bloomfield?

The state of Michigan on Monday unveiled a plan to address the needs of residents with autism.

The Michigan Department of Community Health released the Michigan Autism Spectrum Disorders State Plan, which calls for more early screening, better training for primary care providers, a state information clearinghouse and more, according to Michigan Radio.

[What do you think about the plan? Leave a comment or click here to blog about Autism Spectrum Disorders on Patch!]

"Today marks another significant day for Michigan and our efforts to help families and individuals with autism," Lt. Gov. Brian Calley said. "It was an honor to sign the autism insurance legislation last year and I'm glad to see that our efforts have not stopped there. We have a great opportunity in front of us with this plan. I'm eager to see the progress Michigan will continue to make."

Calley, who has a daughter with autism, signed a bill in 2012 that mandates insurance companies provide autism treatment coverage for children, according to The Detroit News.

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The Michigan Department of Community Health has not laid out a time line for when the plan will be implemented, the newspaper reported.

The plan will address the needs of 16,000 students with ASD in Michigan public schools and 50,000 individuals living with ASD throughout the state, a State of Michigan press release said.

While autism statistics and awareness is at an all-time high, Bloomfield Hills-based attorney Chris Berry said many parents are still unsure how to prepare for their child's physical and financial needs in case of mom or dad’s unexpected death.

“As much as parents of special needs children hate to think about it, there will come a time when they are physically unable—or perhaps no longer alive—to oversee their child’s care,” he warned in a written statement. “That’s why long-term care plans must be put in place as soon as a diagnosis is made to ensure the child always stays physically and financially protected if the unthinkable occurs.”

Autism Spectrum Disorders – which include autism, Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder and Rett syndrome – are neurological impairments that cause social, communication and behavioral challenges, the Michigan Autism Program says. One in 88 children in the United States falls on the spectrum, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Visit michigan.gov/autism to learn more.