This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at ASNC. The new state budget for budget years 2015-17, which began on July 1, 2015, sits at $21.7 billion. It includes several important policy initiatives for people with disabilities, but it also makes changes that could keep people with autism, intellectual…
Nominate Your Direct Support Professional for Roman Award
This article was contributed by Kerri Erb, Chief Program Officer. This week, Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, we are taking time to honor our staff members who provide critical support for individuals with autism. Every day, they work one-to-one with individuals with autism, teaching skill acquisition and supporting them in reaching their life goals. In…
Bringing Art into the Lives of Adults with Autism
The Autism Society of North Carolina’s day program in Raleigh, Creative Living, focuses on clients’ individual strengths and interests to help them lead meaningful lives. Art is a large part of this individually tailored approach. Creative Living clients express themselves through many media, including painting and pottery.“Through art, there’s no right or wrong way to…
General Assembly Approves ABLE Accounts for NC Families
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at ASNC. On Monday, Aug. 3, The General Assembly approved legislation authorizing ABLE accounts in North Carolina; Gov. Pat McCrory is expected to sign the bill into law. The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, a federal law signed in December…
Learn More about ASNC with New Podcasts
Online interviews explore issues faced by the autism community in North Carolina, provide information about the Autism Society of North Carolina’s services and supports, and share personal stories. If you have a smartphone, you probably use it for more than phone calls. Today’s technology enables us to use our phones to listen to music, watch…
Have Your Say on Innovations Waiver
This article was contributed by Kerri Erb, ASNC’s Chief Program Officer. UPDATE: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has notified us that the changes to the Innovations waiver are now proposed to go into effect November 1 to allow for additional training and preparation, and to provide additional time for approval of the…
Comprehensive Intervention Offered by ASNC’s Clinical Department
What is this intervention? LifeLong Interventions is a new service delivery model that provides comprehensive treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder, across skill domains and the lifespan. The service is rooted in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and involves intensive teaching and training using evidence-based practices to promote appropriate skills and behaviors in the…
A Closer Look at the NC House Budget
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, ASNC Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. The NC House passed HB97, its version of the two-year budget, on May 22. The House budget would increase spending by $1.3 billion (6.3 percent) to address funding needs in Medicaid, education, and other services. The bill includes funds for increased…
Focus on Science at ASNC Annual Conference
Dr. Geri Dawson, Director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, opened the second day of our annual conference with a fact-filled presentation titled: “Autism Spectrum Disorders: What do we know? Where are we heading?” We would like to thank her for sharing her time and knowledge with us. For those who were…