Kwanzaa, celebrated each year from December 26 to January 1, stands as a vibrant acknowledgment of African heritage. Rooted in the principles of community, culture, and reflection, this rich tradition invites families to gather, share stories, and celebrate their collective identity. Each day highlights a specific principle that fosters unity, growth, and cultural pride within…
IGNITE Retreat at Camp Royall: Fun, fellowship, and independence
Each fall, the members of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) IGNITE community centers travel to Camp Royall for their annual retreat. ASNCâs IGNITE community centers provide a place where individuals with autism can safely navigate the transition from high school to adult life. Members spend time together learning and socializing with activities at…
JobTIPS at Autism Society of North Carolina
The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) knows how important it is for individuals with autism to have resources and supports in place to help them navigate employment, from finding a good-fit job to keeping it. Thatâs why our expert employment supports staff provides job skills training, vocational assessments, on-the-job training, and more. A popular…
Autism And The Holidays: Thriving This Holiday Season
The winter months are upon us, and with it comes holiday celebrations with family and friends. If youâre like me, the thought of the holidays makes you cringe because you know it can be such an overwhelming time for your loved ones living with autism. We feel tense about the crowds, the food choices, the…
Understanding Masking: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspective
Many autistic people and people with other neurodivergences (e.g., ADHD, Touretteâs) experience pressure to alter their natural ways of being to conform to neurotypical social expectationsâa practice known as masking. Masking emerges from the pressure autistic people often face to modify their natural expressions and behaviors in response to neurotypical social expectations to âfit in.â…
A Letter of Gratitude and Love from the Clinical Team
During this Thanksgiving season, members of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) clinical team reflected on their gratitude for the individuals and families they serve. Here is what they had to say, in their own words. âWhat a blessing it is to work with these families. It feels like such an honor to be…
Toilet Training for Autistic Children: Potties and Patience
Toilet training for autistic children involves learning many different skills. It is no wonder this phase of development is stressful for many parents and children. If you are a caregiver just getting started with toilet training, you might consider first watching our pre-recorded webinar: âToileting Without Tears.â If you are a caregiver who has already…
Autism and ADHD: Positive Change Doesnât Rely On A Diagnosis
I have struggled with socializing and focus as long as I can remember. Trying to blend in with normative expectations has always felt exhausting to me. I knew I struggled with mental health during middle and high school, but traditional therapy and psychiatry didnât help significantly. It wasnât until college that I had the opportunity…