BY AMANDA HARRISON
Tuesday the familiar green tinge of the Mackinac Bridge has turned blue, to promote Autism Awareness month.
Two state-run insurance plans are also taking on the autism issue, with a decision to expand coverage for behavioral therapy.
Michild and Medicaid have expanded their coverage to include a specific type of therapy that low-income children did not previously have access too.
Angela Minicuci is with the Michigan Department of Community Health. She said many for-profit insurers are already offering the therapy.
"Applied behavior analysis is an evidence based treatment that focuses on improving behavior, communication and social skills in a very intensive environment for these children with autism spectrum disorders." Minicuci said.
The expansion will impact 16-hundred low-income Michigan children who are living with autism.