This article was contributed by Amy Perry, an Autism Resource Specialist for the Autism Society of North Carolina. The iPad can be used as a powerful tool for communication, but many families are stumped about where to begin. Apps for communication range from simple text-to-speech to full-fledged Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems with…
Staying Two Steps Ahead: Safety in the Community and at Home
Parents worry about their children’s health, happiness, and well-being, but parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) must look at their environment closely and take great care to ensure that their kids are safe both inside and outside the home. Why is safety for the person with ASD different from any other safety measures…
A Parent’s Perspective – By Kathleen Dolbee
Editor’s Note – This article is from Kathleen Dolbee, a parent, educator, and ASNC Parent Advocate/Trainer. Kathleen can be reached by email at kdolbee@autismsociety-nc.org. Last year I attended a conference at Western Carolina University, a small conference, more like a class. At the request of the professors presenting, before beginning we took turns introducing ourselves…
Avoiding Power Struggles
Editor’s Note – This week’s article is provided by Amy Hobbs, Training Coordinator, for the Autism Society of North Carolina. Amy works out of the ASNC Asheville office and can be reached via email at ahobbs@autismsociety-nc.org or via phone at 828-236-1547. Despite the welcomed summer break, after a few weeks without the structure of school…
Tips for Parents Transitioning to the Innovations Waiver
Editor’s Note – The following article was written by Jean Alvarez, Parent Advocate/Trainer for the Autism Society of North Carolina and parent of a young man on the autism spectrum. Jean lives in western NC. As Local Management Entities (LMEs) move from the old system of service delivery to a network of MCOs and a…
What’s in health reform (Affordable Care Act) for people on the autism spectrum?
Editor’s Note – Thanks to Jennifer Mahan, Autism Society of North Carolina Director of Government Relations for the following analysis of last week’s Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act. The Supreme Court of the United States recently upheld the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which would expand health care coverage for many people in…
School is out for summer. What to do?
Editor’s Note: This week’s Blog contribution is from Leica Anzaldo, Training Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina’s Training Department. School is out and while many of us have been anxiously awaiting this day, for others it is a time of anxiety. Summer for children with autism and their families can be a particularly…
Expanding Your Child’s School Comfort Zone, By Dan Coulter
Here’s an article about the value of taking your child who has Asperger Syndrome to visit his teacher and classroom before school starts. While this article focuses on younger children, it can also be helpful to schedule a school visit with middle school and high school students who have Asperger Syndrome. Hope this is helpful….