My husband, Chip, and I have two adult children, Hayley (26) and Evan (22). Evan has autism and other co-morbid conditions. At age 19, he graduated high school Cum Laude with an OCS diploma. According to Evan’s former case manager, an older sibling can be the best therapist. Not to discount professional intervention, but in…
Ask Your Representatives to Support These Federal Bills
Below are brief summaries of bills introduced in Congress that would affect people with autism and their families. More information on each bill and other federal actions can be found on the Autism Society of America’s Action Center webpage. The Autism Society of North Carolina urges you to contact your members of Congress and ask…
Autism Awareness: We Are All Human
I’m here to talk to you about autism awareness. The autism community could use the help of people who aren’t a part of it. People who have autism can talk and behave differently from people without it. If someone without autism knows that the person with autism they’re talking to has it, they’ll understand and…
Focus on Anxiety at the Annual Conference
Dr. Patrick Friman, who has more than 30 years of experience as a licensed psychologist, opened the Autism Society of North Carolina’s annual conference with “Anxiety and Sleep: Addressing Life’s Challenges.” For those who were not able to attend his presentation in Charlotte, we are sharing highlights of the anxiety portion here. Dr. Friman began…
Visual Schedules Important Even as Children Grow Up
My son Logan is 18 years old, soon to turn 19. I have learned over the years how important it is to Logan to have a visual schedule. The schedule must be specific as well as complete. The details of his day must be spelled out and available for him to see. Not having something…
From Genes to Biology: What We Know and Why It Matters
Dr. John Spiro of the Simons Foundation presented on “From Genes to Biology: What We Know and Why It Matters” on Saturday, March 23, at the Autism Society of North Carolina’s annual conference in Charlotte. For those who were not able to attend his presentation, we are sharing some of the highlights here. About 12…
Recognizing & Treating Common Co-Occurring Medical Problems in ASD
Dr. Laura Politte of UNC and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities presented on “Recognizing and Treating Common Co-Occurring Medical Problems in ASD” on Saturday, March 23, at the Autism Society of North Carolina’s annual conference in Charlotte. For those who were not able to attend her presentation, we are sharing some of the highlights…