A Michigan nonprofit that connects families with autistic children to resources lost all their state funding.
Autism Alliance of Michigan is a nonprofit that assists more than 4,000 families across the state by connecting them with resources like insurance, services and long-term care planning.
Chief Health Officer Nikki Hamp said families need support “now more than ever,” adding that while she doesn’t believe the decision was intentional, it does send a message to families.
They had to cut their programs by 75% after changes to the state budget removed all their funding, according to a press release. They currently have four people working as navigators, 25% of their former staffing. Hamp said they are continuing to assist families, but calls may take longer to return due to the limited staff. They currently have a two-to-three-week delay.
Hamp said state lawmakers they’ve spoken to were surprised at the loss of funding through the budget.
Autism Alliance of Michigan doesn’t rely solely on state funding, but that made up a significant amount of it. Hamp said they’re currently working on grant applications, along with their usual fundraising efforts. They host their Autism Hero Walk and Michigan Shines for Autism Gala each year.
President and CEO Colleen Allen encourages Michigan families to contact their lawmakers, adding that she hopes supplemental funding from the state may arrive in January.
The CDC said approximately one in 31 children was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as of 2022.