Black children facing autism encounter a prolonged path to diagnosis, not solely attributable to limited healthcare options or disinterested parents, but primarily due to biases that categorize signs of autism as normal behaviors for Black children. Among the conditions that may be misinterpreted are delayed language skills, sensitivity to minor changes, repetitive actions such as hand-flapping or body-rocking, and intense, fixated interests.
Michael Griffie, an educator, attorney, infrastructure executive, and a father of a child with autism, is driven by the mission of ensuring that more parents receive the support they need and that children with autism, especially those from Black communities, are acknowledged and understood. This commitment is evident in his role on the board of the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM). Leveraging his personal journey with his son Ethan, he aims to bring attention to prevalent challenges associated with raising a child with autism, contributing to increased awareness on the subject.
“Shortly after his diagnosis, Ethan and I went to a basketball game. He was jumping and flapping, two of the most noticeable indicators of autism,” said Griffie. “People in our section were looking at him, and I wanted to break to pieces, knowing what people who did not understand my son were thinking. But I know that I am getting him the help he deserves. All of our children should receive the help they deserve.”
Ensuring that children with disabilities are integral to the education equity dialogue, Michigan organizations are placing a significant emphasis on this priority as they enter the new year. Responding to concerning statistics and identified obstacles in the educational journeys of children with disabilities, The Skillman Foundation has collaborated with AAoM to spearhead positive transformations.
The Skillman Foundation, a renowned advocate for educational equity, has granted $100,000 to AAoM. This financial support is designated to bolster various initiatives aimed at dismantling systemic barriers hindering high-quality and equitable educational opportunities for students with disabilities in the state of Michigan.
“A year after diagnosis, having received a battery of therapies for over a year, Ethan entered kindergarten at a suburban public school here in southeast Michigan,” said Griffie. “As difficult as it was to navigate a complex medical system to obtain a diagnosis for a disorder we knew little about at the time, it was more crushing to have our child’s school district disregard this, failing to conduct a proper evaluation for special education services.”
Colleen Allen, President and CEO of the Autism Alliance of Michigan, expressed the critical need for reform in Michigan’s education system, citing the state’s position in the bottom ten nationally for education and alarmingly low graduation rates for students with disabilities. “We must redesign our education system in Michigan to ensure high-quality, inclusive education for all students, including those with disabilities, that results in successful pathways to post-secondary education, employment, and independent living outcomes. We appreciate the partnership with The Skillman Foundation to support our systems change advocacy efforts,” said Allen.
To redesign the current operational model of schools, AAoM, along with its members, is spreading awareness on the appropriate handling of cases involving children with disabilities. Additionally, they are providing guidance to parents on effective advocacy strategies.
“Public schools in our country are bound by the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA),” which ensures that every child, regardless of disability receives a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for the child, as similar to that of their general education peers to the greatest extent possible,” Griffie explains. “Public schools also have a legal obligation to evaluate a child when a parent puts the district on notice of a suspected disability that affects learning. This is commonly referred to as a school district’s “child-find obligation.”
Regrettably, educational institutions do not consistently comply with the laws established within the education system to guarantee a prosperous educational journey for every child. This underscores the critical importance of initiatives and funding for organizations advocating for equity to be actively discussed. In this discourse, it is imperative to involve parents who possess a nuanced understanding of existing gaps and the most effective methods to address them.
“Children with autism need to interact with their general education peers because their development depends on these experiences to the greatest extent possible. To ensure this, an Individual Education Plan is created by a team that includes school district representatives and the child’s parents. The IEP team must be in complete agreement on the qualifying disability, and which services and accommodations must be provided to the child.”
The $100,000 grant from The Skillman Foundation is a significant boost to the Autism Alliance of Michigan’s mission. Michigan’s education landscape faces challenges, and this grant will empower AAoM to address these issues head-on, with a specific focus on systemic changes needed to ensure all students receive the education they deserve.
With the support of The Skillman Foundation, AAoM will enhance its collective impact efforts to champion an equitable education agenda for children and youth with special education needs. AAoM operates as a vital community hub, bringing together families, partner organizations, and state leaders to foster an understanding of core barriers related to equity and access in the education system. At the intersection of race and disability, AAoM plays a pivotal role in mobilizing stakeholders to drive transparency efforts toward system-level transformation.
The Autism Alliance of Michigan is a trusted ally and partner for thousands of families across the state. AAoM’s mission is to lead efforts to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people connected to autism across their lifespan. The organization’s Education pillar focuses on initiatives that address systemic barriers to education, centering on student-centered advocacy and educating families on related topics. AAoM is working towards its goal to make Michigan a top 10 state for special education outcomes.
This generous grant from The Skillman Foundation will undoubtedly propel the Autism Alliance of Michigan toward achieving its ambitious goals. By addressing systemic issues and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, AAoM is taking significant strides toward making Michigan a leader in special education outcomes and creating a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for all students. For assistance in finding resources, providers, and information, individuals can contact AAoM Navigators at 877-463-2266 (AAOM) or email at navigator@aaomi.org.
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