OCHN Recognizes April as Autism Awareness Month

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (March 31, 2022) – April is globally recognized as Autism Awareness Month, and Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) is joining world-wide efforts to raise awareness and increase understanding for individuals living with autism.

Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to individuals with autism and their families, defines autism as challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication.

OCHN is acknowledging World Autism Awareness Day by participating in the “Light It Up Blue” campaign on Monday, April 4, 2022. “Light It Up Blue” is an initiative whose goal is to spread awareness, celebrate the unique talents of people with autism, and bring attention to these individuals’ needs. Every year on April 2, people wear blue to honor individuals and their families who are affected by autism. Well-known landmarks, schools, businesses, and homes participate by lighting the night up blue and replacing their standard lightbulbs with blue lightbulbs.

The Autism Society, an organization providing advocacy, education, and support at the national, state, and local levels, is offering a free Autism 101 online course through their website covering the following areas:

• Overview of treatment options
• Treatment assistance
• Transition to adulthood
• Additional information and resources

To participate in the course, visit: www.autism-society.org.

OCHN offers autism services and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services through its provider network. An additional ten new ABA providers have recently been added to the network.

More information on services can be found by visiting: www.oaklandchn.org.

To learn more about the “Light It Up Blue” campaign, visit: www.autismspeaks.org.

About OCHN

OCHN leads a provider service network that assists approximately 21,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 300 service sites across the county. People who receive public mental health services through OCHN's provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health challenge, or substance use disorder. The majority of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.

OCHN's goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and supports that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a "Valuable System for Valued People." Programs and supports provided by OCHN's service network are available at www.oaklandchn.org.

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