We would like to provide an update about START Project funding given the many changes occurring at the federal level. The START Project is funded by the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education from the IDEA formulaic block grant sent to the State of Michigan by the federal government each year as required by IDEA. We understand there is uncertainty about the status of federal funding generally, and the future of the US Department of Education specifically.

We are closely monitoring the situation and communicating with MDE OSE. At this time, we have reason to believe that the IDEA funds from which our project is awarded will be protected moving forward. We will provide updates as we learn more.

Registration is open for the Spring RCN Leadership Day! The RCN Leadership Day is a bi-annual meeting of leadership representatives from the Regional Collaborative Networks (RCN).

The Spring RCN Leadership Day will be held on April 29, 2025, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Lansing Center in Lansing, MI. Please contact your RCN leadership for registration information. 

Organization for Autism Research (OAR): Sex Ed for Self-Advocates

Sexual health is more than puberty and sex. Sexual health education is also about personal safety, self-knowledge and advocacy, individual values, social and communication skills, concepts like consent and public versus private, decision-making, gender identity, sexual orientation, and healthy relationships. Autistic individuals often miss out on these important learning opportunities. This may be a result of our own discomfort, ways of thinking about disability and sexuality, and misconceptions. 

OAR’s Sex Ed for Self-Advocates welcomes families/caregivers and explains, [s]exuality education encompasses a wide range of topics that are sometimes uncomfortable to discuss in everyday conversation. This guide is intended to serve people on the autism spectrum by presenting information in a manner that is easily accessible and relevant to them. As parents, you play an important role as sexuality educators. Your attitudes, values, and approach to sexuality education will frame your child’s values, beliefs, and understanding of sexuality and his or her relationship with others.”

The Elementary and Secondary Peer to Peer Program Playbooks are available to the RCN at no cost. START will collect orders for both Playbooks through May 2025. Orders will ship out on a monthly basis

Order Elementary and Secondary Peer to Peer Program Playbooks here. Please contact Avis Merry if you have any questions.

→ We invite the RCN to distribute the START Training and Training Series Flyers to staff, community members, and families across your region. 

START also developed Training and Training Series Slides for use in presentations.

 The Statewide Autism Resources and Training (START) Project is funded by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education to provide training and technical assistance to educators in Michigan that serve students with ASD.

START Project | autismed@gvsu.edu | (616) 331-6480