We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of concern for the families we serve who were affected by Hurricane Florence. Many individuals with autism in parts of North Carolina have been displaced from their homes, schools, or other services. When individuals with autism are in new situations or environments, they can feel uncomfortable, anxious, or…
Racinâ for Greyson Ready to Inspire at Triangle Run/Walk for Autism
The Kidd family hasnât missed a single Triangle Run/Walk for Autism since 2007, the year Greyson was diagnosed. âYou want to be around other people who are experiencing what you are experiencing,â said his father, Kevin. Greyson was just 2 when he was diagnosed. He did not speak much or know how to interact with…
Campers Treated to Day at Lenovo with Carolina Hurricanes
As the campers gathered in the lobby at the Lenovo Research Triangle Park campus, they excitedly talked with each other about their favorite PokĂ©mon character, their plans after high school, and their love of technology. Lenovo and Carolina Hurricanes Kids âN Community Foundation employees greeted the 14 teenage campers from the Autism Society of North…
WNC Run/Walk is âAutism Community Dayâ
Daniel Landry knows firsthand what a difference employment supports can make. Landry, a 33-year-old who is on the autism spectrum, faced some challenges at his first jobs. He was capable of doing the work but needed a different way to learn the tasks. âA lot of times the employer doesnât understand autism or why youâre…
Seek First Responders with CIT Training
If you or a loved one with autism experiences a crisis involving law enforcement, firefighters, or EMTs, what should you know? The first thing that you need to know is to ask for someone who has CIT training. Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training is an intensive mental-health training provided to first responders. CIT training is…
Finding My Purpose in Teaching Youth on the Spectrum
As a person with high-functioning autism, I have been blessed with the amazing opportunity to work with youth on the spectrum. I have worked for about 20 years as a teacher, if my volunteer teaching is included. I have worked as a regular education teacher in high schools, as a community college instructor for filmmaking,…
Workplaces Should Offer Autism Trainings and Accommodations
Autism awareness is not prevalent enough in the working world. A high percentage of adults with autism are unable to find work or work enough to support themselves. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, less than 20% of adults with disabilities were working or looking for work in 2014. People with mild forms of…
What Itâs Like to Have a Severe Autism Meltdown
One of the biggest fears a person can have is loss of control of self. The other is fear of the unknown. For many with autism, the unknown can trigger a loss of control. One great fear leads to another. There are many sources out there that will tell you why we do what we…