This article was contributed by Leica Anzaldo, Training Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina. Many of us are looking forward to the summer: no early mornings at the bus stop, frantic lunch packing, haggling over bedtime… you get the picture. Of course a break from the intensity of school is important, but don’t…
Spotlight on the Forsyth County Chapter
Editor’s note: For those who have a loved one with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a community of support can be a lifeline. For more than 40 years, ASNC Chapters and Support Groups have provided families who face similar challenges an opportunity to encourage one another, share experiences, find information and resources, and have a place where…
Supporting Students with ASD in Inclusive Settings
This article was contributed by Louise Southern, Training Specialist with the Autism Society of North Carolina. As a consultant and former special education teacher, I have worked in a number of primary and secondary school settings to support students with autism who spend the majority of their day in inclusive settings. Often, these students are…
Early Intervention Strategies to Promote Communication Behaviors
When we are called upon to support young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, we often find that a key area of focus is communication. Communication can mean many things, and it is not only characterized by what a child expresses – or tries to express – verbally. Communication is often composed of nonverbal behaviors such…
Inclusion Tips for Regular Education Teachers
This article was submitted by Amy Hobbs, Training Coordinator for the Autism Society of North Carolina. The beginning of a new school year can be an exciting and scary time for teachers and students. Regular education teachers with a student with autism in their classrooms for the first time might be left wishing they had…
Autism Resource Specialists: New Name, Proven Resource
The Autism Society of North Carolina has a new name for a proven resource: Parent Advocates will now be called Autism Resource Specialists, better conveying the benefits they can provide to families that are seeking help for loved ones with autism. We have Autism Resource Specialists to support families in every county of North Carolina….
What is “Functional Communication” anyway?
The following article was submitted by Leica Anzaldo, Training Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina. Mark has been at the same job now for two years and certainly knows what the expectations are. Or does he? Every time his manager adds new tasks to his job list, Mark seems to ignore them. Mark…
Extinction Bursts and the Importance of Full Disclosure
This blog post was written by Dr. Aleck Myers, Clinical Director for the Autism Society of North Carolina. Recently, I wrote a behavior support plan for an individual who frequently tantrums. Great methodology, if I do say so myself! It was well written and explained the rationale of the program to family and staff, stressing…