The Michigan Autism Council will be expanded to strengthen the implementation of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) State Plan under Executive Order 2018-12 signed this week by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley.
“We have come a long way in improving outcomes for Michiganders with autism but there is much more work to do and the Autism Council is instrumental in making sure the progress continues,” Calley said. “I’m so proud that Michigan is now a top 10 state for the number of behavioral analysts we have but there’s still a great need and strengthening the council will help continue to improve autism services in our state.”
The executive order calls for the ASD State Plan including accomplishments to be completed at least every five years and an annual report on the progress to be submitted to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director. Under the order, four new appointees will be added to the council, representing Michigan Rehabilitation Services and employment services, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Recipient Rights and Certified Behavior Analysts.
The order also assigns the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director with the responsibility of designating a chairperson for the council and specifies that the council will select a vice-chairperson and secretary every two years.
The 2018 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) State Plan Progress and Recommendations Report was released on Nov. 29, highlighting accomplishments including that Michigan has gone from 33rd to 10th in the nation for the number of certified behavior analysts since 2012. The full report can be viewed at www.michigan.gov/autism.
Article V Section 26 of the Michigan Constitution gives authority to the lieutenant governor to sign executive orders when the governor is out of state.
