As a parent of an adult child with autism, one of my goals has always been to find as many opportunities as possible to improve my son’s social skills. All parents want their children to make and establish friendships, but for those on the autism spectrum, it is one of the most difficult aspects of…
Autism in the Friendly Skies
While it is impossible to foresee every scenario or emergency, as a flight attendant, I would like to share some tips for parents traveling the friendly skies with children on the spectrum. Booking your flight Notify your airline at the time of booking about your need for assistance and any accommodations they can provide…
Taking Care of Yourself Benefits Your Loved One with Autism
Anyone who has been a parent, let alone parent to a child with a disability such as autism, will tell you that parenting can be tough. In my book, it’s definitely one of those conundrums where it is the toughest yet most rewarding thing you can do in life. Let’s then consider parenting or caregiving…
Covelli Enterprises Improves Lives and Supports Families with $46,000 Gift
For the past two Aprils, Paneras owned by Covelli Enterprises in central NC have sold special puzzle piece shortbread cookies. Customers loved them, and those sales added up! Covelli donated almost $46,000 this year to improve the lives of individuals with autism and support their families through the Autism Society of North Carolina. Over two…
Flourishing in Work that Fulfills
Kaitlin Moncol had a tough time finding a job that was a perfect fit. She wanted to work near her home in Raleigh, but most of all, she wanted to work in art, which was her passion. Kaitlin, who was diagnosed with autism before her second birthday, worked with an Employment Supports Professional from the…
Young Musicians Donating Concert Proceeds to Help Others on the Spectrum
Seventh Judgement played its first gig last April in Charlotte. The three members of the band – all men in their 20s – weren’t expecting much. They were the opening group in a show that featured five other heavy metal bands. But the crowd loved them, moshing and waving pool noodles. They were called back…
Be Your Very Amazing Self Always
D.J. Svoboda is an autistic artist and motivational speaker who spreads a message of hope that those with autism are special just the way they are. He created The Imagifriends of Imagiville based on experiences he faced as he grew up with autism. We asked D.J. to share some of his wisdom in honor of…