LANSING, MI A Grand Haven woman is one of the inaugural members of the statewide council focused on autism in Michigan.

Amy Matthews, an associate professor of psychology at Grand Valley State University, was appointed to the recently created Autism Council, a group charged with advising and assisting in the development of a statewide plan to help individuals with autism spectrum disorders reach their potential.

Gov. Rick Snyder announced the appointments to the 12-member council this week. The formation of the council, which will operate within the state Department of Community Health, was announced in June.

Matthews is set to represent state-funded initiatives for a three-year term ending Sept. 30, 2015. She focuses on autism and intellectual and development disabilities in her work for Grand Valley State. A licensed psychiatrist, Matthews also is director of the Statewide Autism Resources and Training Project.

Executive Order 2012-11 created the council as an advisory body to review, adopt and implement the Autism Spectrum Disorders State Plan. The plan will provide for comprehensive lifespan supports to individuals with autism and their families through access to information and resources, coordination of services and implementation of evidence-based practices. The council must also update the plan every year.

Based on the executive order, the governor wants to encourage early identification of children with autism spectrum disorders in order to provide early intervention services for children. The order also stated the goal of maximizing the potential for children and adults with autism.

The Michigan Autism Council will help coordinate our state plan and help make sure individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families can live better lives, Snyder said. I thank the appointees for their willingness to serve and eagerness to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

After the initial appointments, members of the council will serve four-year terms.

Eric Gaertner covers government, politics and the outdoors. He can be reached via email at egaertne@mlive.com. Follow him on Twitter @EricGaertner1.

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Grand Haven professor to serve on Michigan Autism Council