Autism and Halloween: For many, the spooky season is a time of excitement. People eagerly shop for scary costumes, set up spooky sounding animated figures, and devour buckets of candy. Children get excited about all the treats they will get, the festivals, and school celebrations. For an autism family, Halloween can be a very different…
Build Sensory Kits to Provide Comfort After Hurricane
We are grateful for the enormous outpouring of concern for the families we serve who were affected by Hurricane Helene. Many individuals with autism in western North Carolina have been displaced from their homes, schools, or other services. When individuals with autism are in new situations or environments, they can feel uncomfortable, anxious, or frightened….
Public Policy Update | Sept. 23, 2024
North Carolina General Assembly Passes Mini-Budget The North Carolina General Assembly met the week of September 9, to pass a new version of House Bill 10, which originally related to local sheriffs working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The legislation was revised to include appropriations for health care, schools and other issues considered ācriticalā…
Elections 2024: Get Ready to Vote!
As a reminder, the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) is sharing information about voting in North Carolina during this election year through blog articles, social media posts, and other channels. Much attention will be paid this year to state primaries, U.S. Congressional races, and state legislative races. As a nonprofit organization, ASNC does not…
Training the best RBTs and BCBAs: Autism Society of North Carolina
In the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the role of quality supervision while training the best RBTs and BCBAs cannot be overstated. Through my experiences as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) student, I have come to deeply appreciate how effective supervision not only enhances the services we provide…
Rachel Barnard Named 2024 Roman Direct Service Award Winner
For her years of service and dedication to the Cohen family and all those she serves, Rachel Barnard is the 2024 winner of the John and Claudia Roman Direct Service Award. This annual award honors a direct service employee of the Autism Society of North Carolina who demonstrates outstanding dedication to individuals with autism and…
Micah Dupree and Calyn McMullen receive 2024 McCrimmon Award
The McCrimmon Award is named for Ed McCrimmon, a longtime staff member at the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) known for his outstanding dedication and integrity in service to individuals with autism. Tragically, he died in 2017. The McCrimmon Award was established to keep Edās memory alive while celebrating other direct support professionals like…
Support Groups: A Safe Space to Simply Be Yourself
The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) knows it can be challenging to find a community where individuals with autism and their families and caregivers can gather, feel accepted, and find belonging. Thatās why ASNC has established Support Groups in 80 counties across North Carolina. These groups provide opportunities for members of our autism community…