“Oh, the weather outside is frightful…” In these long winter months, many NC families are looking for indoor entertainment. It’s too cold to jump on the backyard trampoline, too icy to run at the park. Many will turn to indoor play areas, shows, and movies. But these are not always good options for families who…
Chef Pepper Jack’s Food Drive
When 17-year-old Jack Cullen began to notice people on streets holding signs requesting donations, food, or jobs, he started asking questions. He wanted to understand why they didn’t have food or jobs. He wondered whether they had homes or other belongings. The growing concern that Jack displayed led his Autism Support Professional, Holly, to ask…
’Tis the Season … for Opportunities!
Many families who have children and other family members with an Autism Spectrum Disorder have a collection of war stories and battle scars (emotional and physical) associated with the holiday season. Children, youth, and adults with autism who already struggle with over-stimulation, change, and disruption are bombarded with a barrage of sights, smells, sounds, schedule…
Surviving the Season: Tips to Help You Enjoy the Holidays
The holidays are anticipated by many, yet when the temperatures cool and bells start jingling, we will all be likely to hear people around us talking about the added stress and strain they can bring to families as well. This can be doubly true for families with a loved one on the spectrum, who must…
ABLE Accounts Coming in Early 2017
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have been eagerly anticipating the availability of ABLE savings accounts, which allow a person with a disability to save for critical expenses while still allowing eligibility for means-tested disability supports and health care. North Carolina…
ASNC Celebrates Services Staff
This article was contributed by Kari Johnston, ASNC Director of Services. Each fall, the Autism Society of North Carolina has the privilege of celebrating the amazing work that our Direct Support Professionals do every day, providing crucial support and opportunities for individuals with autism. We do this in a few ways. During our celebration of…