As a Direct Support Professional working with a young adult on the spectrum, I found myself looking for ways to offer fun and engaging structure during this season of unavoidable change. Particularly, I wanted to build a new routine that wouldnât replace our previous busy schedule of community outings and routine volunteer commitments, but rather…
Jen Pyne Named 2019 Roman Award Winner
Jen Pyne is not just a service provider to the people with autism whom she supports. She is a true friend and a member of their family. âShe has helped me to create a life on my own terms that I am proud of,â said Jade McWilliams, one of her clients. âI have a very…
Debra Wyatt Named 2019 McCrimmon Award Winner
Debra Wyatt might have saved Chris Schildâs life, says his father, Bryan. Chris and Debra were at Walgreens, where he works and she supports him as a job coach, when a tragic incident occurred. âMy son was not 10 feet away from a man who had just shot the pharmacist and the pharmacy tech,â Bryan…
Celebrate Your Direct Support Professional
National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week is coming up September 8-14! The Autism Society of North Carolina employs hundreds of direct support professionals; without their dedication and continued efforts, many individuals on the autism spectrum and their families would not have needed support services. Every day, they work one-on-one with individuals with autism, teaching skill…
Abbey Willis Named 2018 Roman Award Winner
In the past two years of supporting Eric Kardon as an Autism Support Professional, Abbey Willis has run with him in a half-marathon, two 10-mile races, and several other events even though she previously had just run for light exercise. âRunning is an essential part of Ericâs life, so Abbey took on the role of…
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…
Introducing ASNCâs New Western Regional Director
We are happy to introduce Michael LePage as the Autism Society of North Carolinaâs Western Regional Director. Michael brings with him a wealth of knowledge from a 20 year career serving individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disability (IDD) and their families, largely focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He returned to ASNC in his new…
2017 Roman Award Winner Named
The Autism Society of North Carolina is pleased to recognize Ed McCrimmon of Durham as the 2017 winner of the John and Claudia Roman Direct Service Award for outstanding commitment to individuals with autism and their families. Ed, who has worked for ASNC since 1999, was nominated for supporting David Wertheimer for 18 years with…