About IGNITE The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) IGNITE programs are unique âpeer-to-peerâ community centers for young adults with high-functioning autism or Aspergerâs Syndrome. Located in Davidson and Raleigh, they provide a place where autistic individuals can safely navigate the transition from high school to adult life. Members spend time together learning and socializing…
Setting the Record Straight on Autism
Recently, Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy made comments about autism and prevalence. His statements have drawn national attention because they do not reflect the facts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other researchersâmany right here in North Carolinaâhave spent decades studying autism and sharing reliable, science-based information. The Autism Society of…
IGNITE Retreat at Camp Royall: Fun, fellowship, and independence
Each fall, the members of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) IGNITE community centers travel to Camp Royall for their annual retreat. ASNCâs IGNITE community centers provide a place where individuals with autism can safely navigate the transition from high school to adult life. Members spend time together learning and socializing with activities at…
Autism and ADHD: Positive Change Doesnât Rely On A Diagnosis
I have struggled with socializing and focus as long as I can remember. Trying to blend in with normative expectations has always felt exhausting to me. I knew I struggled with mental health during middle and high school, but traditional therapy and psychiatry didnât help significantly. It wasnât until college that I had the opportunity…
Elections 2024: Get Ready to Vote!
As a reminder, the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) is sharing information about voting in North Carolina during this election year through blog articles, social media posts, and other channels. Much attention will be paid this year to state primaries, U.S. Congressional races, and state legislative races. As a nonprofit organization, ASNC does not…
The Power of Consent
AutismSocietyNC · Blog | The Power of Consent by Felicia Williams Brown While much attention has been given to understanding the social and communication difficulties faced by many on the autism spectrum, there remains a particularly sensitive topic that demands exploration. That topic is consent. Consent is a term we encounter in various contextsâfrom…
Shattering Stereotypes: Intersection of Autism and Black Excellence
Dictionary.com defines the term âBlack excellenceâ as âa high level of achievement, success, or ability demonstrated by an individual Black person or Black people in general. The term is often used to highlight and celebrate specific examples of such achievements and abilities, especially as the hashtag #BlackExcellence.â Many African American family systems value Black excellence…
New Study Highlights the Value of Investing in Direct Support ProfessionalsÂ
New Study A new study on the economic impact of Direct Support Professionals in North Carolina has found that investing in increasing the wages of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who serve people with I/DD, as well as increasing access to DSPs though additional Innovations waiver slots, yields substantial economic benefits to the State of North…
ASNC 2024 Conference | Building the Foundation: Best Practices in Autism
The Building the Foundation Conference hosted by the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) was a big success this year. More than 300 people were in attendance for this annual event held on Friday, March 8, at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center on the North Carolina State University campus in Raleigh. Energy was…