Meaningfully participating in community outings is one of the most important areas that we can address, for any individual with or without autism. Community-based experiences provide opportunities to work on social skills, following instructions, transitioning appropriately, and otherwise learning how to just be around other people. But being in the community can be very stressful…
Whatās Speech Got to Do with It?
When I was studying to be a doctor in India, in the third year of my 51/2 year course of homeopathic medical science, I read about āautism.ā I did not react to it much as I thought (just as anyone might), āWow, what a terrible challenge, wonder how folks who have it cope and deal…
Developing Independence with a āWho Supports Meā List
Often, autism self-advocates are connected to multiple systems and have many names, numbers, addresses, and details to keep up with to navigate supports, including services and benefits. The contacts they maintain are often over and above the number of contacts for their same-age peers maintaining independent lifestyles. When my daughter went to college, one of…
New Cat Coming Soon
After a day of rushing around from therapy to therapy, I pulled into the driveway to see something written in a primitive-looking chalk square on the concrete pad in front of our garage. I parked the van in the garage and went back out to read the important message I had just driven over. The…
Q&A with Mindy Govan, new Transition and Employment Services Director
The Autism Society of North Carolina has long recognized the growing need for more supports for young adults with autism. Our current strategic plan calls for a focus on transition services, employment supports, and the social needs of young adults and adults with autism. This spring, we created statewide positions to lead our Transition and…
Wandering, Bolting, and Safety
According to a 2012 study in the medical journal Pediatrics, at least 49% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder have wandered or bolted from safe settings. The moment you realize you donāt know where a child is can be one of any caregiversā greatest fears. This fear can be compounded if the child has minimal…
Autism and the Sibling Connection
My husband, Chip, and I have two adult children, Hayley (26) and Evan (22). Evan has autism and other co-morbid conditions. At age 19, he graduated high school Cum Laude with an OCS diploma. According to Evanās former case manager, an older sibling can be the best therapist. Not to discount professional intervention, but in…
Ask Your Representatives to Support These Federal Bills
Below are brief summaries of bills introduced in Congress that would affect people with autism and their families. More information on each bill and other federal actions can be found on the Autism Society of Americaās Action Center webpage. The Autism Society of North Carolina urges you to contact your members of Congress and ask…