Nonprofit Spotlight: Mid-Michigan Autism Association

BY ANGIE ARLINGTON

Mid-Michigan Autism Association is a non-profit organization founded in 2008. The Board is comprised entirely volunteers who have some kind of connection to Autism. Their mission is to “improve the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, by providing support, resources and opportunities within the Mid-Michigan community.” Events are free and for all ages/ abilities. “Even though we are autismdriven, we are not autism-specific. Unlike other organizations, we do not charge a membership fee,” Cathy Blatnik, current Treasurer explains. Rarely does an individual with Autism just have Autism. Up to 90% of those with Autism also have Anxiety.”

“My son, Dominic, drew the new logo! We had some people that didn’t like our original logo (it was a puzzle piece). As a Board, we decided to change it.” By involving those with Autism in the conversation, they create a space unique to their varied experiences.

They offer events such as swimming, Sensory Friendly Events at the Abrams Planetarium, Ladies Night Out, Sensory Friendly Yoga, Sensory Walks at the Harris Nature Center and a yearly Picnic. They offer FREE Autism Awareness Trainings for EMS workers and local businesses/organizations.

“We are very proud of getting our “Sensory Toolkits,” into the local ambulances and to many other business/organizations in this area.”

Sensory Toolkits contain items such as headphones, communication cards, etc. The goal is that the toolkits help decrease the anxiety whether in an emergency situation or during a social outing. We have donated over 125 Sensory Toolkits!! The Mid-Michigan Autism Association also started the “Art Ability Bag Project,” during the Pandemic. They noticed that the local libraries were offering art to take home, but there was nothing for those with disabilities. Started in November 2020, the Program is still going strong! The Mid-Michigan Autism Association has also partnered with the Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center. “We recognized those with disabilities needed art, so we donate monthly art bags to local schools and organizations. It’s basically art in a bag for all ages and abilities!!” They also started a “virtual” monthly music therapy event, during the Pandemic. It’s called, “Together Let’s Sing, Dance and Jam!” It is free and very popular,” shares Cathy. We use music therapists through the MSU Community Music School in East Lansing. The Mid-Michigan Autism Association are currently partnering with the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan to reach even more people throughout the State of Michigan.

“We created an event called “Life Skills - Scavenger Hunt” in January of 2023. The Capital City Market (which is part of Meijer), donated gift cards and we had families shop during a Sensory Friendly time (lower lights, less crowds, no music). They had to find items on a “typical” shopping list. The Capital City Market loved the idea so much, they started their “Sensory Friendly Mornings,” monthly in October 2023!! Taking my now 19-year-old son to the grocery store was SO difficult when he was younger. We love that the Capital City Market also recognized the need for those that needed a quieter, less crowded time to shop. It’s not just for those with Autism. It’s for those PTSD, high anxiety, Dementia, etc.”

The nonprofit solely operates on donations. If interested in volunteering, people must also become a board member. We currently have 13 Board members with a few more interested!!! We have to keep amending our Bylaws because so many people want to be part of our Board. It’s wonderful!

“We are very proud of getting our “Sensory Toolkits,” into the local ambulances and to many other business/ organizations in this area.”