Travel can be stressful these days, and for a family with an autistic child, that can be especially true. Long waits, loud noises, lots of people, and unexpected changes to plans are all part of the airport experience. For Stephanie Genty and her family, a summer trip to Colorado with her seven-year-old autistic son Noah,…
Navigating Summer with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Summer is a wonderful time of year full of outdoor activities and social gatherings, but for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder it can be stressful. Changes in routines, travel to new places, different sensory experiences, and time spent with people who may not fully understand autism can make summer feel overwhelming. Here are some tips…
New Campus Network Initiative at the Autism Society of North Carolina
The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) has launched a new statewide Campus Network for college students. It was established to give voice to autistic student perspectives, promote connections with peers on and off the spectrum, and increase access to ASNC programs through online meetings that are both social and educational. Partnering with students to…
Public Policy Update | State and Federal Budgets
Autism Society of North Carolina Public Policy updates: State and Federal Budget Updates Key takeaways North Carolina State Budget Update U.S. Federal Budget Update Act Now With Our Thanks State and Federal Budget Updates Both state and federal lawmakers are currently working to finalize their budgets, which significantly affect services for people with autism…
JobTIPS at Autism Society of North Carolina
The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) knows how important it is for individuals with autism to have resources and supports in place to help them navigate employment, from finding a good-fit job to keeping it. Thatās why our expert employment supports staff provides job skills training, vocational assessments, on-the-job training, and more. A popular…
Understanding Masking: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspective
Many autistic people and people with other neurodivergences (e.g., ADHD, Touretteās) experience pressure to alter their natural ways of being to conform to neurotypical social expectationsāa practice known as masking. Masking emerges from the pressure autistic people often face to modify their natural expressions and behaviors in response to neurotypical social expectations to āfit in.ā…
Rachel Barnard Named 2024 Roman Award Winner
For her years of service and dedication to the Cohen family and all those she serves, Rachel Barnard is the 2024 winner of the John and Claudia Roman Direct Service Award. This annual award honors a direct service employee of the Autism Society of North Carolina who demonstrates outstanding dedication to individuals with autism and…
Public Policy Update | July 19
Autism Society of North Carolina Public Policy updates: NCGA Short Session Wraps Up Tailored Plans Begin NCGA Wraps Up Regular Short Session NC Legislature wrapped up its up regular short session at the end of June and passed a resolution to reconvene monthly until December 13, 2024, to address any remaining legislative issues including…
ASNC Policy UpdateĀ
March 2024 Medicaid Rate Increases and Direct Support Professional WagesĀ In the state budget passed in late September, the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated funding to increase the rates paid for certain types of services under North Carolinaās Medicaid programs to increase the pay of individuals providing the critical supports and services to individuals with…