A few highlights from 2013 2013 was a busy year in the autism community. We witnessed the changeover in statewide service delivery from Local Management Entities (LMEs) to Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Issues that had stalled for years with the legislature moved forward, but not all the way into law. And more families learned that…
The Holidays Are Here – Are You Ready?
This can be a challenging time of year for all of us, with gifts to buy, relatives’ visits to prepare for, and work to wrap up. For those with autism, the changes in routine, chaos of lights and sound, and social obligations can make life anything but joyful. We share these tips in hopes…
Adult Retreats at Camp Royall: It’s All About Friendship
This article was submitted by Lesley Fraser, Camp Royall Assistant Director. This weekend, young adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome will gather at Camp Royall for one of the six adult retreats we offer throughout the year. It is often hard for me to believe that as the assistant director at Camp Royall, it’s…
Early Intervention Strategies to Promote Communication Behaviors
When we are called upon to support young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, we often find that a key area of focus is communication. Communication can mean many things, and it is not only characterized by what a child expresses – or tries to express – verbally. Communication is often composed of nonverbal behaviors such…
Holiday Letter: Helping Friends and Family Understand Your Child with ASD
This letter is intended for relatives, friends, and hosts of holiday gatherings who might need a crash course in what to expect from their guest on the autism spectrum. The letter is written from the viewpoint of an individual with autism. For a PDF of the letter that you can print, click here. Dear Family…
Beyond Graduation – What’s Next for Students with ASD?
Editor’s Note – This article is from Kathleen Dolbee, a parent, educator, and ASNC Autism Resource Specialist. Graduation day is a big deal. In fact, it is so big, that parents must begin planning for it when their children enter high school. If your child has an IEP, from the time he turned 14, his…
Public Policy Update: NC Parents who Homeschool Gain Options for Instruction
This past legislative session, the General Assembly passed changes to North Carolina homeschool laws that allow more flexibility in instructional options. Senate Bill 189 redefined a homeschool to be a nonpublic school consisting of the children of not more than two families of “households where the parents or legal guardians or members of either household…
Inclusion Tips for Regular Education Teachers
This article was submitted by Amy Hobbs, Training Coordinator for the Autism Society of North Carolina. The beginning of a new school year can be an exciting and scary time for teachers and students. Regular education teachers with a student with autism in their classrooms for the first time might be left wishing they had…