Autism Alliance of Michigan Reaching out to Communities and Families during Autism Awareness Month in April

DETROIT, March 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is hosting two events in April to celebrate Autism Awareness month.

AAoM is presenting the first annual "Success is a Spectrum Parent Conference" for families living with autism and the providers, clinicians and educators who support them. The event will run from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. April 17 at the Wayne County Community College campus in Belleville, Mich.

"The Success is a Spectrum Parent Conference will provide information on today's best practices, evidence-based treatments and a number of relevant topics to give parents the tools they can use to help their children with autism," said Colleen Allen, president and CEO of AAoM.   

In addition to the conference, AAoM will host its fourth annual fundraiser, "Michigan Shines for Autism Gala," on April 18. Former Detroit Lions star Rodney Peete, Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein and local media personalities are among the guest speakers. A "Champions Night Afterglow" for young professionals will follow the gala at DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) headquarters. Hour Media is the exclusive magazine sponsor of the gala and afterglow.   

"There's a common misconception that individuals with autism will never lead full and productive lives," said Dave Meador, vice chairman and chief administrative officer for DTE Energy and co-founder of AAoM. "With the right support, individuals with autism can reach their maximum potential, live independently, work at major corporations and significantly contribute to our community. Our events are among the many ways we promote this message."

DTE Energy is a long-time advocate for families and individuals impacted by autism. Meador spent years lobbying for the 2012 state law requiring health insurers to cover autism treatment. DTE Energy was among the first companies to begin offering insurance coverage to its employees before it was mandated. DTE Energy is now focusing on employing individuals with disabilities, including autism.

PVS Chemicals and the DTE Energy Foundation are the Premier Sponsors of this year's Michigan Shines for Autism gala, with additional support from Diamond Sponsors AT&T and Strategic Staffing Solutions.

For more information about AAoM or to purchase tickets to the conference, gala or afterglow, visit  www.autismallianceofmichigan.org or call 248.436.5606.

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SOURCE DTE Energy

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