Autism Society of North Carolina

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Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month - You Can Help!

The need:
• 1 of every 110 children born today will be diagnosed with a form of autism (CDC, 12/2009).
• Each day, at least two North Carolina families have a child diagnosed with autism.
• There are currently over 50,000 individuals with autism in North Carolina.
• There are approximately 10,000 students with a diagnosis of autism in the public schools and that number increases by 15-17% annually versus a 2-3% annual increase for the overall student population.
• After high school there are no mandated services for adults with autism. There is a growing need for increased residential and employment options for this population.
• The Autism Society of North Carolina has been providing support and promoting opportunities for individuals with autism and their families for 40 years and is the best source for information tailored to a person's unique needs.

During National Autism Awareness Month there are many ways that you can help make a difference in the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families:

Participate
During Autism Awareness Month, ASNC, in conjunction with 40 chapters and affiliates throughout North Carolina, will host a variety of events and activities. The ASNC Annual Conference will be held on April 23-24 at the Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel. Click here for more information or to register.

Month-long activities include:

  • The Complete Caregiver will donate a portion of all sales of The Complete Caregiver Journal Workbook during the month of April. For more information click here.
  • Inspecting for Autism - Altamont Inspections, LLC is a home inspection company servicing the Asheville and the surrounding areas of NC. A portion of proceeds from all home inspections performed during the month of April will be donated to the ASNC Advocacy Department.
  • April 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 - The Knightly Order of the Fiat Lux will be appearing at the North Carolina Renaissance Faire. The NC Renaissance Faire is an amazing festival with jousting, singing and sword-fighting! Proceeds will help support the Autism Society of North Carolina.
  • Vaughan's Glassworks - a portion of April sales of light catchers will be donated to ASNC.
  • Delicious Dogs hot dog concession stands in Dallas, NC will donate a portion of all sales to the Autism Society of North Carolina.

Other activities include:

  • April 10 - Zumba-a-than to benefit the ASNC Cabarrus County Chapter at Carolina Mall.
  • April 19-23 - Knocking Out Autism: Bethel Elementary School will be holding Penny Wars between teachers and students. As part of the fundraiser, autism facts will be shared during morning announcements and regular education students will be buddies for children with autism.
  • April 20 - Autism Aware Fare to benefit the ASNC Mecklenburg County Chapter. Dine in or take out from a participating restaurant to support individuals with autism and their families. For more information, click here.
  • April 26 - 7th Annual Awareness Charity Golf Classic to support the ASNC Guilford County Chapter. For more information please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
  • May 1 - The Edgecombe Ghost Riders Motorcycle Club is hosting a Charity Poker Run to support ASNC. For more information, please contact Sam Cimino at 252-975-2757.

For more events and activities, click here to visit the Autism Society of North Carolina's online Calendar of Events.

Share Information
Download free handouts from this website or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to distribute in your community. The 2010 National Autism Awareness Month press release and 15- and 30-second Public Service Announcements for TV and radio are also available for download here. Public libraries, houses of worship, schools and businesses are just a few places that are good locations to post materials that increase awareness and inform the community. Does your child's teacher or a family member need more information to help him or her understand your child? The Autism Society of North Carolina's Bookstore (www.autismbookstore.com) features nearly 600 books, DVDs, and other instructional materials on every topic imaginable.

Stay Informed
Did you know that ASNC sends out monthly emails and information updates? Did you know that over 2,300 people have joined the ASNC facebook group? Are you an ASNC follower on Twitter? Have you read any of the updates and personal stories on the ASNC Blog? Maybe you would like to review previous issues of the Spectrum or Camp Chronicle? Click on the links above to stay up-to-date with ASNC.

Become a Member
Membership in the Autism Society of North Carolina shows that you care about North Carolinians with autism and provides many benefits. Members receive a welcome packet with a $15 voucher to the bookstore, receive a $65 discount to the Annual Conference on April 23-24 in Chapel Hill and can support your community when you select your local ASNC chapter or affiliate as a beneficiary. Members also receive all ASNC publications, a 10% discount on future bookstore purchases and reduced rates on training workshops. Membership is $45 and can be purchased by clicking here.

Contribute
Now more than ever, the Autism Society of North Carolina needs financial support. As more children and adults are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, the need for services such as advocacy, information and referral, respite care, recreation, and appropriate residential and vocational options continues to grow. At the same time, state and federal funding is limited or reduced. Each year, ASNC helps tens of thousands of North Carolinians with autism and their families through parent advocacy, training, summer camp, public education, and direct care. We need your help to maintain these services. Please click here to make a donation today.