Farmington Hills Home Depot Helps Shine a Blue Light on Autism

Iconic landmarks around the world will Light It Up Blue today in honor of World Autism Awareness Day, and a local business is helping residents join in that effort. 

Light It Up Blue raises awareness for the developmental disorder, which affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. In its third year, the event boasts photographs of the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Sydney Opera House, the CN Tower, the Empire State Building, Niagara Falls and other landmarks all radiant in blue on its website.

Why not add your front porch to the list?  of Farmington Hills sells 25 watt blue light bulbs for $1.99 each. The Home Depot will donate one dollar for each purchase to Autism Speaks, a nationally-based, science and advocacy organization.

Autism insurance coverage mandate passes House

Last Thursday, the Michigan State House passed Senate Bills 414, 415 and 981, which require insurance companies to cover evidence-based treatments of autism spectrum disorders and establish a fund to help reimburse part of the cost. The governor's budget recommends spending $34.1 million — $10.1 million from the General Fund — on autism services, with $20.1 million helping to reimburse private insurers and the $13.5 million providing this care for children who are on Medicaid or MIChild programs. Each bill was later passed in the State Senate.

"I am so pleased to tell you that autism insurance coverage is on its way to becoming a reality for Michigan families. This is something I’ve been fighting for since I got to Lansing, so I’m thrilled that the House passed Senate Bills 414, 415 and 981 on Thursday," said Rep. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield).

The bills will now go to the governor for his consideration. He is expected to sign them into law.