The Bay City Commission made a significant move during its recent meeting by proclaiming April 2025 as Autism Awareness Month. This decision highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.

Mayor Christopher Gerard led the proclamation, emphasizing the need to celebrate the unique contributions of people with autism while acknowledging the systemic barriers they face. He noted that approximately 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults are diagnosed with ASD, with a higher prevalence in boys. The mayor stressed the importance of early intervention, which can greatly enhance learning, communication, and social skills.

The proclamation also recognized Xavier de Groot, who has been a tireless advocate for autism awareness and established the nation’s first autism sensory awareness museum in Frankenmuth. De Groot encouraged the community to embrace neurodiversity and to hire individuals with autism, urging everyone to look beyond stereotypes and appreciate the unique strengths that each person brings.

This initiative aims to foster greater understanding and acceptance of autism within the community, promoting educational efforts that support individuals with autism and their families. The Bay City Commission's commitment to raising awareness is a step towards creating a more inclusive environment for all.