11/11/2023 0 Comments Inform studio mi![]() “I have come across motor vehicle accidents involving children with autism and understand the complexities and the educational needs of those emergency responders,” Meneguzzo says. In addition to inviting community members to the events, KCF reached out to K-12 schools, higher education, medical systems, local health departments, and emergency service organizations. “And it was a great way for my community to raise awareness and support.”Īutism-informed staff provided community members t flu shots and health screenings. So, this was certainly an opportunity for them to have access,” Meneguzzo says. “We do have a good share of uninsured patients. In her current role, she has worked with the KCF to identify resources for people living with autism and their families. “I was really excited to learn what AAoM had to offer and to find out that they would come to do trainings and provide some free health resources for our community,” says KCF executive director, Robin Meneguzzo.īefore joining KCF as executive director, Meneguzzo worked as a nurse practitioner and cared for patients with autism. Robin Meneguzzo, executive director, Keweenaw Area Community Foundation Its autism-informed staff provided community members the opportunity to receive flu shots, screenings for diabetes, cholesterol, and kidney function, and have their blood pressure checked. The Mobile Health Unit made stops in Houghton, Allouez, and Marquette. The Keweenaw Area Community Foundation (KCF) worked with AAoM to bring the Autism 101 trainings as well as the AAoM Mobile Health Unit to the U.P. The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) team traveled to Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula to provide free trainings and health care services. And it helps the family, in particular, to be more of a cohesive unit as they learn to manage those day-to-day skills.” It relieves a lot of anxiety and frustration. “It helps people to better understand how to communicate with individuals who have autism. “Autism 101 helps to demystify what autism is,” Lofton says. Family members of individuals living with autism, especially parents, often blame themselves for whatever behaviors are occurring - frustration and anger can be common. By increasing understanding and empathy, we're improving the quality of life for people on the spectrum.”Īnother goal of the Autism 101 training is to lessen stigma and guilt around autism. “Autism 101 works to increase understanding and empathy for these individuals. “I would say pretty much everyone is interacting with somebody on the autism spectrum, whether they know it or not,” says Jaime Zavier, AAoM outreach manager. Jaime Zavier, AAoM outreach manager.In the U.S., one in 36 children are on the autism spectrum - about four in 10 boys and one in 10 girls are on the autism spectrum. “The Autism 101 training is especially great for teachers and employers.” Just about everyone knows someone who is affected,” Lofton says. Lofton stresses that “anyone and everyone” should take the course because autism not only impacts the individuals and their families but entire communities at school, work, play, and places of worship. “And for those who don't have autism, it is important for them to learn to be more loving and giving and understanding of individuals not just with autism, but people with disabilities period.” “For those who do have autism, it gives them an opportunity to actually be involved in their community in meaningful ways,” Lofton says. In addition to sharing what autism is and how to overcome behavioral and communication barriers, Autism 101 provides information on local, state, and national resources available for people living with autism. “It shares tips and tools on how to work with an individual around communication - tools you can use to understand what seemingly inappropriate behaviors are communicating and how to respond to them.” “Autism 101 is a basic understanding of what autism is and what it isn't,” says Joanna Lofton, AAoM outreach manager and community resource specialist. ![]() 14, a third Autism 101 training was held in downtown Marquette at Marquette Commons. AAoM staff presented Autism 101 to community members and stakeholders during morning and evening sessions in Houghton at Michigan Technological University (MTU) on Sept. The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) team traveled to Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula to provide free trainings and health care services for people living with autism, their families, and the communities where they live.
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