Some people who are in positions of power have savant skills. Such exceptional talents include an encyclopedic level of knowledge or a highly talented control of a hands-on task. Savant skills can be common to people on the autism spectrum. It could be due to just being wired that way in the brain, or intense…
Carmen Henwood and Sarah Waller Honored with McCrimmon Award
The McCrimmon Award is named for Ed McCrimmon, a longtime member of the Autism Society of North Carolina staff. He was known for his outstanding dedication and integrity as he served individuals with autism. Tragically, he died in 2017. The McCrimmon Award was established to keep Ed’s memory alive, and at the same time, celebrate…
Laurie Dougherty Named 2021 Roman Award Winner
Laurie Dougherty has worked at the Fairview House, one of the Autism Society of North Carolina’s residential programs in western North Carolina, since the home opened in 2004. For her contribution to the success of the home and the residents it serves, Dougherty has been named the 2021 winner of the John and Claudia Roman…
“Don’t Forget Me!” The Importance of Sibling Support
Rachel’s face lights up anytime she talks about Josh, her younger brother with autism. “He’s so funny,” she says. “He goes around the house making sure all the lights are turned off – even when we’re still in the room.” When Rachel is feeling down, Josh is quick to cheer her up with a dog…
North Carolina General Assembly Update – State Budget Update
Both House and Senate have passed their versions of SB 105, the state budget. This year’s budget contains a mix of state appropriations and allocations of federal funding that has come to North Carolina through several “recovery act” bills. A conference committee of House and Senate budget leaders will work over the next few weeks…
Common Back to School Questions – Answered!
On August 19, the Autism Society of North Carolina held a webinar panel discussion to address issues related to returning to school in 2021. The panel discussion featured Autism Resource Specialists Vickie Dieter and Nancy Nestor and Clinical Department members Deb Leach and Louise Southern. We know that a lot of uncertainty still exists around…
Back to School in Uncertain Times
It’s that time of the year again! School will be starting soon, and parents and school personnel find themselves in the same climate of uncertainty that has existed since schools closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. As I write this, school boards in our local communities are voting on whether students will be required…
Reintegración Social Después de la Pandemia
Artículo publicado en la revista de ASNC, Spectrum, en agosto del 2021. Hemos tenido un año y medio de cuarentena, y adultos y niños se han asentado en rutinas controlables. Muchas de estas rutinas han sido solitaria para los niños, incluyendo jugar videojuegos y dormir.. Para los adultos, según publicaciones comunes en redes sociales, el…
Un mensaje del CEO/ Director General Ejecutivo
Artículo publicado en la revista de ASNC, Spectrum, en agosto del 2021. En Autism Society of North Carolina, sabemos que las necesidades de cada individuo y familia son únicas, y cambian a lo largo de la vida. Nos esforzamos por reconocer en qué situación individual están las personas, y proporcionar los servicios, apoyos y recursos…