House Bill 498 that would require group insurance plans and the state health plan in North Carolina to cover treatment of autism is scheduled for a House Insurance Committee hearing on Tuesday May 14, 2013 at 1PM in room 1228/1327 of the Legislative Building. The House bill would ensure that plans for companies that operate…
Autism Health Insurance Reform
The following column was written by Autism Society of North Carolina CEO Tracey Sheriff. State lawmakers have an opportunity to right an unfortunate injustice this legislative session. Currently in North Carolina, the nearly 60,000 individuals with autism and their families face unfair financial hardship because of an inequality in their health insurance coverage. To correct…
Celebrating our Bookstore as Part of Autism Awareness Month
This blog post was written by Dawn Eberwein, Bookstore Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina. The ASNC Bookstore is a unique place that provides information, resources, employment, and support for the ASD community. We are a place for parents, self-advocates, teachers, practitioners, or anyone in a relationship with someone on the spectrum to…
Extinction Bursts and the Importance of Full Disclosure
This blog post was written by Dr. Aleck Myers, Clinical Director for the Autism Society of North Carolina. Recently, I wrote a behavior support plan for an individual who frequently tantrums. Great methodology, if I do say so myself! It was well written and explained the rationale of the program to family and staff, stressing…
College Admissions Testing and Autism
This contribution is from Parent Advocate/Trainer Nancy Popkin. Back when my son was diagnosed with autism, I couldn’t imagine him going to college, let alone surviving his school years. But here we are, sixteen years post diagnosis, with a high school graduate who is now a college freshman. If college is in your child’s future,…
Autism Insurance Legislation Introduced in North Carolina!
North Carolina General Assembly Representatives Chuck McGrady, Tom Murry, Phil Sheppard and Trisha Cotham have introduced NC House Bill 498, titled “Mandate Autism Health Coverage.” The bill would ensure that health benefits plans in North Carolina will provide coverage for diagnostic and treatment services for Autism Spectrum Disorders in individuals in private and state…
Public Policy News and Action: Group Home Bill Moves, No Medicaid Expansion, Federal ABLE Act Reintroduced, Federal Regs Leave Out ABA
This policy update contains both an update on the North Carolina General Assembly (state laws) as well as actions by the US Congress and federal regulators (federal laws). North Carolina General Assembly Update Group Home Bill Moves House Bill 5, which would extend temporary funding to residents of group homes who no longer qualify for personal care services,…
Seeing is Believing
Editor’s Note – The following article was written by Amy F. Hobbs, Training Coordinator with the Autism Society of North Carolina. Research shows that video modeling is an effective strategy to use with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to improve social and communication skills. As a trainer, I frequently emphasize the importance of showing children…