This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. Beginning Thursday, January 26, people with disabilities and their families can save and invest without losing means-tested benefits. ABLE accounts are affordable, tax-advantaged accounts that allow eligible individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities that occurred before the age of 26 to save…
Staying Safe: ASNC Can Help
As parents, we do all we can to make sure that our children understand how to remain safe. Whatâs âstranger dangerâ? How do you cross the road safely? How do you ask for help when you get lost or separated? But if your child has autism, you may face additional challenges, such as wandering (also…
Sensory-Friendly Activities Ease Winter Blues
âOh, the weather outside is frightfulâŠâ In these long winter months, many NC families are looking for indoor entertainment. Itâs too cold to jump on the backyard trampoline, too icy to run at the park. Many will turn to indoor play areas, shows, and movies. But these are not always good options for families who…
Looking for a Place to Belong? Join an ASNC Chapter
Fall is a great time to join one of the Autism Society of North Carolinaâs 50 Chapters and Support Groups around the state. The beginning of the new school year also marks the restart of the groupsâ activities and events. ASNCâs Chapters and Support Groups are led by generous parents or family member volunteers who…
Q&A with Dr. Jed Baker, Autism Expert
On Friday, November 4, Dr. Jed Baker will lead a daylong conference that touches on two very important topics for families and caregivers: managing frustration and anxiety and teaching social skills. Dr. Baker graciously shared some insights and previewed his talk in a Q&A recently. Why is it important for caregivers to think…
Kids Loved and Accepted as They Are at New Camps
Six-year-old Marshall Wingfield loves people, but he becomes overwhelmed in public and has always been a bit of a homebody, his mom says. âHe wants so much to fit in and have friends,â said Elaina Wingfield of her son, who was diagnosed with autism last year during his kindergarten year. âBut his challenges make…
Succeeding with a Dedicated, Caring CSI
We are republishing this article from the winter 2016 Spectrum in honor of National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Alex Bagley has won many Special Olympics medals over the years at the county, state, and national levels. The 23-year-old from Fayetteville competes in 5-on-5 basketball, cycling, and aquatics. Alex, who has autism, is a hard worker…
Share Your Public Policy Priorities
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at ASNC. The Autism Society of North Carolina advocates with policymakers at the General Assembly, state departments and divisions, and LME/MCOs to help create better services and opportunities for people on the autism spectrum. We are developing our public policy targets for…
Camp Royall: Better than the Beach
This article was written for the 2016 Camp Chronicle, which will be posted online later this month and mailed to campers and their families. To learn more about ASNCâs Camp Royall, go to www.camproyall.org. For Scott Lambeth, a day at Camp Royall is better than a day at the beach. Scott, who is 40 years…