On January 20, 2025, we recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, also known as MLK Day. Established as a federal holiday in 1983, the day commemorates the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. A day of service In 1994, the King Holiday and Service Act was signed into law by…
Revisiting a Focus on Autism Healthy Habits
At the Autism Society of North Carolina’s 2018 annual conference, Mindy Govan and Alicia Lenhart, then Director and Assistant Director of ASNC’s IGNITE program for young adults on the spectrum, provided conference attendees with many tips they could use to build autism healthy habits for their loved ones or themselves. Those tips continue to be…
Celebrating Kwanzaa: Embracing Neurodiversity in Tradition
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. ASNC’s 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. That’s 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 you’re 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, Tourette’s) experience pressure to alter their natural ways of being to conform to neurotypical social expectations—a 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 “fit in.”…