The Oakland University Center for Autism Research celebrates its annual Family Fun Day for 2013 kicking off Autism Awareness month on April 6, 2013 from noon-4p.

The annual OUCares (Oakland University Center for Autism Research, Education and Support) Autism Symposium is scheduled for May 20th and 21st, 2013 at the Auburn Hills, Michigan Marriott at Centerpoint. The event is a wonderful resource for educators, parents, family members, researchers, students and persons living with ASD.

Featured presenters and topics scheduled for the 2013 Annual Oakland Univeristy OUCARES Autism Symposium include:

The Ted Lindsay Foundation is holding a raffle for a custom chopper motorcycle where all proceeds benefit autism research. The custom chopper has been autographed by Ted Lindsay, Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Henrik Zetterberg, Nick Lidstrom, Pavel Datsyuk, Frank Beckman, Mike Babcock, Roger Penske and many more Detroit celebrities.

Newton School Shooting Tragedy Sheds Unwelcome Light on Asperger's Syndrome

The aftermath of the Newtown Connecticut shooting tragedy has spawned a wide range of questions regarding gun control and school safety. One of the questions I find myself asking is why the media is frequently associating Adam Lanza's Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis with the horrific event. I'm not the only one asking that question.

Classic Lanes and OUCARES launch bowling league for persons with autism and autism spectrum disorders

Our friends at Classic Lanes in Rochester Hills have teamed up with OUCARES (Oakland University Center for Autism Research, Education and Support) to form a bowling league for individuals ages 16-plus on the autism spectrum. This opportunity will allow ASD students (over 16) and adults to enhance physical activity in a social, community setting.

AMC Theatres has teamed up with the Autism Society of America to present sensory friendly films. Families affected by autism and other disabilities can enjoy movies in a safe and accepting environment during the monthly Sensory Friendly Films program.

This year Ford Arts, Beats & Eats will be teaming up with local autism initiatives Autism Alliance of Michigan and Autism Speaks. Select families will be given a unique experience and an all-access pass to the festival.

I spoke with Tom Riopelle of Autism Speaks to find out more.

I've received a lot of contact regarding the new Michigan Autism Reform Bill. Thankfully, the Michigan Autism Reform Bill will ensure the opportunities for affordable care and treatment for children and adults in Michigan with autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

I had a chance to submit questions regarding the new Michigan Autism Reform Bill to Tom Riopelle of Autism Speaks to help clarify some points on the upcoming bill.

My son was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (Aspberger's Syndrome) years ago. After learning of the diagnosis, my family went into hyperdrive finding and scheduling appointments for various treatments through an assortment of specialists in occupational therapy and speech therapy for my son. After long hours, many appointments and countless miles on the car, my son is doing very well. Had I known that home therapy services for autism existed, my journey might have been a little easier.