This article was contributed by Judy Clute, an ASNC Autism Resource Specialist in Raleigh and mom to a son with autism. During recent Easter celebrations, my thoughts turned to the many families who would not be participating in a worship service because they have a child with autism. Many families have told me that they…
Learning Through Seeing
This article was contributed by Kathleen Dolbee, a parent and ASNC Autism Resource Specialist for Western North Carolina. No two minds are exactly alike; each has its own way of learning. What works well for one person may not work as well for another. For example, some people grasp and remember ideas better when they…
A New Year: Time to Plan
Happy New Year to everyone! Whew! I love the holidays. Itâs a time to look back at the past year and gratefully reflect on all the blessings in our lives. When the flurry of activities is over, itâs a wonderful time to slow down and reconnect with friends and family. As the last of the…
âAutismâŠWhat Does It Mean to Me?â Brings Understanding
This article was contributed by Jade McWilliams, autistic self-advocate. I first came across âAutismâŠWhat Does It Mean to Me?â when I was officially diagnosed with autism, about 4 years ago at the local TEACCH Center. At this time, Catherine Faherty was still working for TEACCH. (I knew I was autistic before that, but being a…
Get to Know Joanna Bush, ASNC Bookstore Employee
Joanna Bush excels at spelling and math, and her organizational and clerical skills make her a valued employee of the Autism Society of North Carolina Bookstore. But the 31-year-old with autism brings something else to her several part-time jobs: a chance to educate the people around her. âIt creates more acceptance for someone like Joanna,…
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…
College Admissions Testing and Autism
This contribution is from Parent Advocate/Trainer Nancy Popkin. Back when my son was diagnosed with autism, I couldnât 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 childâs future,…
A New Year, A New Approach to Challenging Behaviors
Editor’s Note – The following post was written by Louise Buchholz Southern, M.Ed., BCBA, Training Specialist for the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). As professionals working in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) intervention and as parents of individuals with ASD, itâs likely that we have all experienced challenging and persistent behaviors. These…
Stuffed Allies and Dignity: How Understanding Anxiety Can Save the Day
Editor’s Note: This week’s blog post was submitted by Jennifer O’Toole, award-winning author of Asperkids: An Insider’s Guide to Loving, Understanding and Teaching Children with Asperger Syndrome. O’Toole, her husband, and her three children all have Asperger Syndrome. The year was 1982. Ronald Reagan was in office. âDonât You Want Me, Baby?â was on the…