When 17-year-old Jack Cullen began to notice people on streets holding signs requesting donations, food, or jobs, he started asking questions. He wanted to understand why they didnāt have food or jobs. He wondered whether they had homes or other belongings. The growing concern that Jack displayed led his Autism Support Professional, Holly, to ask…
Surviving the Season: Tips to Help You Enjoy the Holidays
The holidays are anticipated by many, yet when the temperatures cool and bells start jingling, we will all be likely to hear people around us talking about the added stress and strain they can bring to families as well. This can be doubly true for families with a loved one on the spectrum, who must…
ABLE Accounts Coming in Early 2017
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have been eagerly anticipating the availability of ABLE savings accounts, which allow a person with a disability to save for critical expenses while still allowing eligibility for means-tested disability supports and health care. North Carolina…
Looking for a Place to Belong? Join an ASNC Chapter
Fall is a great time to join one of the Autism Society of North Carolinaās 50 Chapters and Support Groups around the state. The beginning of the new school year also marks the restart of the groupsā activities and events. ASNCās Chapters and Support Groups are led by generous parents or family member volunteers who…
Q&A with Dr. Jed Baker, Autism Expert
On Friday, November 4, Dr. Jed Baker will lead a daylong conference that touches on two very important topics for families and caregivers: managing frustration and anxiety and teaching social skills. Dr. Baker graciously shared some insights and previewed his talk in a Q&A recently. Why is it important for caregivers to think…
Kids Loved and Accepted as They Are at New Camps
Six-year-old Marshall Wingfield loves people, but he becomes overwhelmed in public and has always been a bit of a homebody, his mom says. āHe wants so much to fit in and have friends,ā said Elaina Wingfield of her son, who was diagnosed with autism last year during his kindergarten year. āBut his challenges make…
Succeeding with a Dedicated, Caring CSI
We are republishing this article from the winter 2016 Spectrum in honor ofĀ National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.Ā Alex Bagley has won many Special Olympics medals over the years at the county, state, and national levels. The 23-year-old from Fayetteville competes in 5-on-5 basketball, cycling, and aquatics. Alex, who has autism, is a hard worker…