This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, ASNC Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. The North Carolina General Assembly has introduced legislation to authorize 529 savings plans for individuals with disabilities, as allowed under the congressional ABLE Act of 2014. Advocacy groups, including the Autism Society of North Carolina, are supporting the passage of legislation,…
Household Chores Teach Independent-Living Skills
This article was contributed by Kathy Dolbee, Autism Resource Specialist for the Autism Society of North Carolina and autism mom. “Can my child do household chores?” The simple answer is, “Yes.” Teaching your child to do household chores is an important part of teaching him independent living skills. However, there are a few important…
Our Future, Together
This article was contributed by Kristy White, the Chief Development Officer for the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). Kristy has been a leader in the field of inclusion, launching cutting-edge inclusion models and raising millions for inclusive programming across the country. She joined ASNC in March 2012 because of her passion for improving…
Dealing with Frigid Weather, Interrupted Routines
This article was contributed by Leica Anzaldo, Training Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina. We have certainly felt the arctic blast this past week, and while it created inconveniences for many of us, for some individuals on the autism spectrum, it wreaked havoc on their lives and those routines on which they are so…
NC General Assembly Begins Long Session
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. The North Carolina General Assembly began its long legislative session on January 28, spending the two weeks prior to that organizing committee membership and shifting offices for new members and leaders. This year’s legislative session is off to a slow start. The…
Learning Through Seeing
This article was contributed by Kathleen Dolbee, a parent and ASNC Autism Resource Specialist for Western North Carolina. No two minds are exactly alike; each has its own way of learning. What works well for one person may not work as well for another. For example, some people grasp and remember ideas better when they…
Make Your Voice Heard on Services in NC
This article was contributed by Kerri Erb, ASNC’s Chief Program Officer. In the coming months, we all have many opportunities to help shape future services for people on the autism spectrum in North Carolina. In ongoing community meetings, ASNC has been represented by our staff members and families from local ASNC chapters. Read on for…
A New Program for Direct Services: LifeLong Interventions
This article was contributed by Dr. Aleck Myers, the Clinical Director for the Autism Society of North Carolina. The Autism Society is excited to announce the inauguration of a new service to provide direct supports to children, youth, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. What is LifeLong Interventions? Think early intervention, but for all ages….
A New Year: Time to Plan
Happy New Year to everyone! Whew! I love the holidays. It’s a time to look back at the past year and gratefully reflect on all the blessings in our lives. When the flurry of activities is over, it’s a wonderful time to slow down and reconnect with friends and family. As the last of the…