Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and autism often go hand in hand. ABA has been endorsed by numerous organizations and federal agencies. There is extensive empirical support for its effectiveness. This means that numerous high-quality, peer-revised published studies have demonstrated that ABA techniques produce significantly positive results. Applied Behavior Analysis has been effectively used for the…
Public Policy: Advocacy in 2019 and Beyond
One of the most difficult aspects of advocacy is looking at all of the barriers that one might face and believing, despite all of it, that change is possible. The Autism Society of North Carolina has from the start been dedicated to using advocacy to improve the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and…
Why Do I Get Overwhelmed in New Places?
When I go somewhere new, I am not comfortable. I am very guarded. There are a lot of things that could threaten me. I am not aware of this fear. I am not able to respond to you as I can at home. I am not the person you know when I walk into the…
New Year, New Less-Stressed You
Caring for another individual always comes with stressors. However, caring for an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) comes with its own unique set of challenges that can easily turn into a full-time job. Caregivers commonly fill their days with multiple therapies, meetings, support groups, and extracurricular activities for their loved ones, in addition to…
Overcoming Sensory Challenges
I have four children with autism who have unique sensory processing challenges and needs. Over the past 11 years, my children and I have grown in our understanding of the unique way in which they process the world around them. Before my daughters were diagnosed, I could not understand why they acted certain ways in…
Preparing Your Loved One for Adult Success
I have been employed by the Autism Society of NC for more than 20 years, and I can honestly say that we have definitely hit a surge in calls regarding adults looking for meaningful employment as well as parents looking to get their adult children out in the community. Parents of adults typically call for…
Enloe Charity Ball: Alive with Purpose
Finding our purpose in life, what we were meant to contribute to our communities, is the key to a happy and fulfilling life. At the Autism Society of North Carolina, we believe that every person deserves to find their purpose and feel truly alive. The students of Enloe High School in Raleigh have realized that…
Do Less, So They Can Do More
Whether an individual is 2 years old or 42 years old, and wherever they lie on the autism spectrum, a simple but important strategy for encouraging communication, teaching skills, and promoting independence is ādo less, so they can do more.ā We know that individuals with autism often need repeated opportunities to master a skill. We…
You Can Help Us Serve Our Families
Direct Support Professionals provide critical support for individuals with autism. Every day, they work one-to-one with individuals with autism, teaching skill acquisition and supporting them in reaching their life goals. In addition to staff, many become trusted friends, natural supports, and honorary members of families. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the largest percentage of ASNCās…