For individuals with autism, a job increases self-esteem and self-worth. A job provides the independence that comes with a paycheck as well as opportunities to improve social skills, grow a network of friends and support, and pursue passions. For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we are sharing how companies can improve lives by employing people…
New Year, New Less-Stressed You
Caring for another individual always comes with stressors. However, caring for an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) comes with its own unique set of challenges that can easily turn into a full-time job. Caregivers commonly fill their days with multiple therapies, meetings, support groups, and extracurricular activities for their loved ones, in addition to…
You Can Help Us Serve Our Families
Direct Support Professionals 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 addition to staff, many become trusted friends, natural supports, and honorary members of families. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the largest percentage of ASNC’s…
Abbey Willis Named 2018 Roman Award Winner
In the past two years of supporting Eric Kardon as an Autism Support Professional, Abbey Willis has run with him in a half-marathon, two 10-mile races, and several other events even though she previously had just run for light exercise. “Running is an essential part of Eric’s life, so Abbey took on the role of…
We want to help keep your family safe in a storm
Dear Families, Friends, and Supporters, With Hurricane Florence possibly heading toward North Carolina in coming days, we share your concern about the safety of your loved ones. We wanted to take a moment to let you know that ASNC is here for your family. To help you prepare, we are sharing some helpful resources on…
Join Our Campaign for Acceptance
Join us this April as we again focus on acceptance and inclusion, not just awareness, for National Autism Awareness Month. The #A2AforAutism campaign to move communities from Awareness “2” Acceptance, started some conversations last year, and we can’t wait to see how it builds this year. We want people with autism, and their families, to…
Action Alert: Ask Representatives to Stop Medicaid Cuts
Action Alert: Proposed Changes to Medicaid Will Cut Funding Call Your Representatives Today! Congress is moving quickly to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) and replace it with the American Health Care Act, or AHCA. This bill will make drastic cuts to the Medicaid program affecting people with autism who are currently…
Craven County Chapter Leader Recognized
Kim Hoffman has selflessly given hours and hours of service as the Leader of the ASNC Craven County Chapter since January 2015. With the help of other dedicated volunteers, she has touched so many lives through the Chapter, organizing dozens of educational events, social activities, and awareness efforts in her community. Kim’s passion and energy…
How to Help as a Grandparent
This article was contributed by Terry Fetzer, who is an Autism Resource Specialist in the Eastern region and has a son and a grandson with autism. Most of us remember what a miracle it was when we became a parent of a child. The years pass, and now your child is an adult having a…