West Michigan embraces inclusion as autism diagnoses rise

As autism diagnoses rise nationwide, families and community organizations in West Michigan are stepping up to model inclusion and empowerment.

A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 1 in 31 children in the U.S. are now diagnosed with autism by age 8, up from 1 in 36 just a year ago.

Aaron Allen, a recent Muskegon High School graduate, is one of many young adults navigating this landscape. With support from Disability Network West Michigan, he is preparing for employment — a journey that Program Manager Trinell Payne-Scott says highlights both the challenges and opportunities facing individuals on the autism spectrum.

“When I met Aaron to begin working with him to help with his employment endeavors, he was really shy and reserved,” Payne-Scott says. “After a couple of meetings and completing some assessments, he began to open up. That’s when I learned he was such an amazing young man.”

Allen, 20, has a strong interest in history, cultures, and animals — passions that have shaped his goals. With help from Disability Network, he is preparing to volunteer at the Muskegon Area District Library, with the potential to transition into a paid summer work program.

“Even with him having autism and being on the spectrum, his keen interest in history and his love for learning about different cultures around the world — and just the wealth of knowledge he has — is amazing,” Payne-Scott says.

Long-term goals

Working with individuals like Allen is at the heart of Disability Network’s mission. Through assessments and support programs such as Working Well with a Disability, the organization helps individuals not just secure jobs but develop skills to maintain long-term employment.

“Sometimes it’s not getting the job that’s the problem; it’s keeping it,” Payne-Scott says. “We want to make sure individuals have the tools they need — and reliable transportation to get to and from work.”

Allen’s mother, Tamica Sain, says connecting with Disability Network and Payne-Scott made a difference.

“She cares more about the person and enablement, not just about the disability,” Sain  says. “She’s been instrumental in helping Aaron.”

Allen, who graduated in May 2023, says he is eager to build his skills and find a job that taps into his interests, particularly working with animals.

“I’ve been wanting a job so I could finally get a house, accomplish my goals, and just get around in life,” he says.

Since October, Allen has been working toward that dream, participating in assessments and preparing for his volunteer placement. His father, LeShawn Savage, says he has seen a positive change.

“I think it’s great,” Savage says. “They really got him going on the right track, and he’s excited about it.”

Providing tools

The family’s experience underscores how early support, the right resources, and community partnerships can empower individuals on the autism spectrum to thrive.

“We regularly work with people on the spectrum,” Payne-Scott says. “At Disability Network West Michigan, our goal is to equip individuals with all the tools and resources they need to live the most independent life possible.”

As Autism Awareness Month shines a spotlight on these efforts, families and organizations like Disability Network West Michigan and Hope Network are working to ensure that individuals of all abilities are empowered to pursue their dreams — and that inclusive communities grow alongside rising needs.

“We all have our different niches,” Payne-Scott says. “Just because an individual is on the spectrum doesn’t stop them from overcoming barriers and achieving their goals.”

The multi-regional Disability Inclusion series is made possible through a partnership with Centers for Independent Living organizations across West Michigan.