College is a time for young adults to learn more about the world around them and their place in it. Tom Carmean, head coach of the Guilford College menās lacrosse team since 2010, wants to help the young men he works with gain perspective on people who are outside of their usual spheres. So last…
NC DHHS Releases Plan for Medicaid Reform
The NC Department of Health and Human Services has issued a proposed design for Medicaid managed care in North Carolina. The proposal gives individuals on Medicaid, families, caregivers, providers, and other stakeholders the opportunity to share feedback before DHHS submits a revised waiver to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the fall….
Transitioning Your Child with Autism Back to School
As summer is once again gradually winding down, it is time to start thinking about what you can do to help prepare your child so that the transition back into school is as smooth as possible. Summer is filled with more leisure time and fun-filled activities. Your childās day in school will certainly look much…
WNC Run/Walk for Autism is Chance to Share Their Story
Wyatt Ogden was not diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder until he was 7 years old. He had been referred for an autism evaluation by his preschool when he was 3, but he was high-functioning, and his parents did not want to limit him with a label. But Wyatt had some challenges in elementary school, and…
Tell US Senators to Vote No on Health-Care Bill!
The Senate is planning to vote on a āmotion to proceed,ā the first step in bringing a health-care bill to the floor for a vote early next week. At this time, itās not clear which health-care bill will be voted on. Please keep the pressure up and ask your Senators not to cut or cap…
The Opinions of Others: Iām No Longer Concerned
When my son was first diagnosed with autism at the age of four and a half, I was truly concerned about what others thought about his different and strange behaviors. My son looks very much like his typical peers, as many children with autism do. People stared and gave me disapproving looks when he would…
Tell Your US Senators Not to Cut or Cap Medicaid!
The US Senate is moving quickly on health-care changes that would hurt people with autism, including proposals to cut and cap Medicaid funds and repeal health-care protections like coverage for pre-existing conditions. A vote on the Senate health-care proposal is likely to take place the week of June 26, and so far, no public hearings…
Ask NC Legislators Not to Cut Services
Last week, the House passed its version of the two-year budget bill, Senate Bill 257. Thank you to all the advocates for telling your stories. The House version of the budget includes 500 Innovations waiver slots, restores more of the funds for services for those waiting for help through Local Management Entities, and raises the…
Health-Care Bill and Presidentās Budget Would Hurt Individuals with Autism
US Senate Tackles Health-Care Repeal and Replace BillĀ Senate leadership is convening several work groups to draft improvements to the House-approved version of the American Health Care Act (AHCA). The bill in its current form slashes Medicaid funding byĀ $834 billion over the next decade and reduces the insured population by 23 million, according to the…