This article was contributed by Juliette Heim, an ASNC Autism Resource Specialist in Asheville and mom to a son with autism. Autism comes with many challenges that we face every single day. We have to address these challenges and learn how to manage them, and we often have to “think outside the box” in our approaches….
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…
Interview with an Artist: Kaitlin Moncol
Kaitlin Moncol is a 22-year-old artist from Raleigh who was diagnosed with autism when she turned 2. As Kaitlin prepares for her first independent art show, we asked her and her mom to share some thoughts about her life, her art, and autism. Below we share their responses, edited for brevity. Kaitlin’s art is hanging…
Seeing the World from a Different Angle: A Travel Resource Guide for Parents
This article was contributed by Danielle Wright and Nicole Johnson, who both recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and have accepted jobs in public schools. They created a travel resource guide for families affected by autism and have generously shared it with us. To read…
Autism Moms: We Just Do It!
This article was contributed by Katie Holler, an ASNC Autism Resource Specialist in the Eastern Region. I am the mother of five daughters ages 7 to 13. Four of them have Autism Spectrum Disorder. When people ask me “How do you do it?,” I usually respond: “I just do it!” You might recognize my slogan,…
Bringing Autism and Faith Communities Together
This article was contributed by Judy Clute, an ASNC Autism Resource Specialist in Raleigh and mom to a son with autism. During recent Easter celebrations, my thoughts turned to the many families who would not be participating in a worship service because they have a child with autism. Many families have told me that they…
13 Tough Truths Only Parents of Kids With Autism Will Understand
Editor’s Note – The following article is re-posted with permission by Eric Williams, a Fayetteville dad, counselor,and therapist. For more information about Mr. Williams click here. This is what it’s like (and what it takes) to be the father of a child with autism. Buckle up! Autism is not a childhood diagnosis; it is a…
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…