SOM Resources to support individuals with autism highlighted as part of Autism Awareness Month April 19, 2021 LANSING, Mich.-Autism spectrum disorder is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S., affecting more than five million people. To help Michiganders better understand autism and those who live with it, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the Michigan Departments of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), Education (MDE), Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Autism Alliance of Michigan to proclaim April as Autism Awareness Month. Youth with autism have been identified as the primary emerging population of individuals with a disability in Michigan that are either currently or predicted to be underserved. Symptoms and characteristics of autism may present in a variety of combinations and can result in significant, lifelong challenges in areas of learning, social-interactive behaviors and understanding verbal as well as nonverbal communication.