Editor’s Note – The following article was written by Kathleen Dolbee, mother, educator, and Autism Society of North Carolina Parent Advocate. Teaching your son or daughter to do household chores is an important part of teaching them independent living skills. Be careful not to presume that your child already knows how to do a…
Coalition Rally 2012
Mark your calendars now and join The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) at the for the 2011 Coalition Popcorn Rally and Advocacy Day at the NC General Assembly on May 22nd from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. The Autism Society of North Carolina is a long time member of The Coalition, a group of…
1 in 88, 1 in 70, what does it all mean?
On March 29, just two days before the beginning of Autism Awareness Month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new figures for the prevalence of autism. While no one expected a decrease, the new rate of 1 in 88 nationally (up from 1 in 110 in two years) and 1 in 70…
CAP IDD MRDD Waiver Changes Delayed Again
The Autism Society of North Carolina previously provided an update about major changes that were expected to take place for people currently receiving CAP IDD (MRDD) Waiver services. It is our understanding that the Division of Medical Assistance and Division of MHDDSAS has received another extension of the current waiver until June 28, 2012. We expect that…
A+KIDS: Important Information for Children with ASD who Receive Behavior Medications
What is it? The A+KIDS (Anti-psychotics-Keep It Documented for Safety) program is an effort to assure that children in the NC Medicaid program who receive anti-psychotic medications are being monitored for possible side effects. These medicines are sometimes prescribed to help reduce severe agitation, self-injury, and/or physical aggression in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Examples…
Make Your Voice Heard in 2012!
There are several upcoming opportunities to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder, get information on budget and policy issues, advocate for services and supports, and educate elected officials. The Coalition is hosting a series of Town Hall meetings in 9 locations around the state to provide information on the budget and its impact on developmental…
Proposed Changes in DSM-5 Criteria
In recent weeks national and local media outlets have reported about proposed changes to diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version 5 (DSM 5). The proposed changes have not been formalized and that process is expected to be completed by December 2012. – Editor What will the…