In 2015, I was looking at new positions after a layoff, nervous about what would come next. The network I cultivated was not big, and when I submitted resumes for positions that interested me, I could only hope they passed the initial filters. Then one day, a recruiter reached out to follow up on one…
Donāt Ring the Doorbell, and Mark Your Lifelong Calendar for June
One of the first things I tell a new direct support professional interviewing to work with our family is to not bother ringing the doorbell. Just come on in and join the family. My twins, Isaac and Samuel, have had Medicaid Waiver services since they were 7 years old. They are now 22. While some…
The Impact of Nutrition on Physical and Mental Health
Note: This blog was written by Juliette Heim, Autism Resource Specialist, and Kristy Myers, Health Consultant at the Autism Society of North Carolina. Juliette Heimās reflections on her experience as a parent to a son with autism are in italics. Health is broadly defined as āa state of physical, mental and social well-being, in…
Win-win: Brother wins contest, builds autism acceptance
Colin Maxwell has always had a way of talking to his sister, who has autism. āBecause Kayleigh is 18, and heās 11, he doesnāt know anything else but having a sister who has autism. He does amazing with her,ā says Stephanie Maxwell, their mother. āShe responds so well.ā Colin always has patience and gives Kayleigh…
Parent-to-Parent Support ā It Will Change Your Life
What is support? As a verb it means: To bear all or a part of the weight of, hold up. Give approval, comfort, or encouragement. When families first call an Autism Resource Specialist, we encourage them to get involved with a local support group, such as the ASNC Chapters. Why do we do this?…