The holidays are coming up, and the pressure is for managing anxiety! There are gifts to purchase and wrap. The house needs to be decorated. Peopleās feelings need to be accommodated. Bills pile up from cranking the heat. Weight wants to cling to your belly from all those cookies. Visitors come and overstay their welcome….
North Carolina Public Policy Update: State Budget Passes, Tailored Plans Delayed
Medicaid Transformation Delay While the news below about the budget is very good, delays in passing a state budget coupled with the realignment of county MH/DD/SAS management among LME MCOs mean that the long-awaited Medicaid Tailored Plan rollout will be moved from July 1, 2022, to December 1, 2022. Tailored Plans are an integrated health…
Community Inclusion and the āOlmsteadā Plan
North Carolina recently went through an 18-month planning process to develop a new document outlining the steps that the state should take to ensure that people with disabilities are able to live, work, learn, and enjoy their lives alongside everyone else in their communities. Plans like this set meaningful goals to address the barriers people…
A Letter of Love and Gratitude from the Clinical Team
During this Thanksgiving season, members of our Clinical team reflected on their gratitude for the individuals and families they serve. The Clinical Team is thankful to provide support to all members of the North Carolina autism community. As one member of the team wrote to parents: āIām grateful for your trust in me because I…
Registering for Selective Service – Itās the Law
Through the years I have talked with many families who were unaware of the federal law requiring most males residing in the United States or its territories to register with the Selective Service System (SSS) within 30 days of their 18th birthdays. This includes adult males with and without a disability or medical condition. Registration…
Join a Family Chapter for Support, Education, and Fun
Now that the kids are settled into the new school year and the holidays are approaching, are you looking for some activities with families that āget itā? Check out our more than 70 Chapters and Support Groups serving families in 73 counties across the state! They are offering many events and meetings ā outdoor, online,…
Carmen Henwood and Sarah Waller Honored with McCrimmon Award
The McCrimmon Award is named for Ed McCrimmon, a longtime member of the Autism Society of North Carolina staff. He was known for his outstanding dedication and integrity as he served individuals with autism. Tragically, he died in 2017. The McCrimmon Award was established to keep Edās memory alive, and at the same time, celebrate…
Laurie Dougherty Named 2021 Roman Award Winner
Laurie Dougherty has worked at the Fairview House, one of the Autism Society of North Carolinaās residential programs in western North Carolina, since the home opened in 2004. For her contribution to the success of the home and the residents it serves, Dougherty has been named the 2021 winner of the John and Claudia Roman…