As my 6-year-old was getting ready for his first day of school, he shared that he wants to grow up to be a fundraiser like mom and help people with autism. He loves everyone and that is one of the things I love most about him. His comment prompted us to talk further about being…
It Just Feels Good!
Human behavior is complex, no doubt. There are often layers to the reasons why people behave the way they do and those reasons may fluctuate from day-to-day based on a variety of internal or external events. Everyone engages in some behaviors (e.g., scratching a mosquito bite) just because they feel good. That is, the behavior…
NC General Assembly Adjusts State Budget
The North Carolina General Assembly wrapped up its regular short session in late June after a quick seven weeks. Short sessions focus on adjustments to the budget and passing bills that were still under consideration for both chambers the previous year. This yearâs state budget (SB 99 State Budget Adjustments) comes in at $23.9 billion….
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…
How Behavior Can Go the Way of the Dinosaurs
Extinction is what happened to the dinosaurs, the saber-toothed tiger, and the dodo bird. But did you know behavior can undergo extinction as well? Donât worry, behavioral extinction does not involve a massive comet colliding with the Earth. Behavior is said to undergo extinction when it simply no longer produces the reinforcement it once did….
5 Tips for Finding Activities for Your Child
When my son with autism was in elementary school, I remember wanting to get him involved in âprogramsâ and âactivitiesâ but not really knowing what was appropriate or how to proceed. I recall contacting tons of people and agencies and asking for âTHEâ programs and activities specific for a child with autism. Frequently when the…
Calling the Sandman: Autism Sleep Problems
Unfortunately, the Sandman is a mythical character, and sleep problems are very real. Sleep disturbances are a common concern expressed by many parents and caregivers of people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. More than 80% of people with ASD have experienced sleep difficulties in their lifetime. Sleep deprivation can affect many aspects of…
Show Me the Data
Close your eyes and think of a behavior youâd like to see change in some way. It can be something youâd like to see increase or decrease. It can be something that your child, student, partner, friend, or even you do. Have you thought of something yet? Great! Hold on to that for a minute….