Editor’s Note – The following article was written by Linda Griffin, Parent Advocate Director for the Autism Society of North Carolina. I had hoped that my son would learn to drive. And then I hoped that he wouldnāt. Either way, there were going to be consequences. Not driving meant learning to use public transportation and…
Public Policy Update: Some Bills Survived “Crossover” and Some Did Not
As I mentioned in my previous blog posting, the week of May 10th to 14th at the General Assembly was crossover,Ā a ādo or dieā week for policy bills introduced in the legislative long session. Simplified: bills that pass one chamber, either the NC House or the NC Senate, stay āaliveā and can be voted…
Legislative Update for May 20 – NC House Passes Autism Insurance Bill!
The following post was filed by Jennifer Mahan, Autism Society of North Carolina Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. Crossover Week Last week, the legislature finished a very busy week known as ācrossover.ā During each long session the NC General Assembly sets a deadline for policy bills to be approved by one chamber or the…
Autism Insurance Update: Insurance Committee Hearing for H 498 Scheduled!
House Bill 498 that would require group insurance plans and the state health plan in North Carolina to cover treatment of autism is scheduled for a House Insurance Committee hearing on Tuesday May 14, 2013 at 1PM in room 1228/1327 of the Legislative Building. The House bill would ensure that plans for companies that operate…
Autism Health Insurance Reform
The following column was written by Autism Society of North Carolina CEO Tracey Sheriff. State lawmakers have an opportunity to right an unfortunate injustice this legislative session. Currently in North Carolina, the nearly 60,000 individuals with autism and their families face unfair financial hardship because of an inequality in their health insurance coverage. To correct…
Celebrating our Bookstore as Part of Autism Awareness Month
This blog post was written by Dawn Eberwein, Bookstore Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina. The ASNC Bookstore is a unique place that provides information, resources, employment, and support for the ASD community.Ā We are a place for parents, self-advocates, teachers, practitioners, or anyone in a relationship with someone on the spectrum to…
Extinction Bursts and the Importance of Full Disclosure
This blog post was written by Dr. Aleck Myers, Clinical Director for the Autism Society of North Carolina. Recently, I wrote a behavior support plan for an individual who frequently tantrums. Great methodology, if I do say so myself! It was well written and explained the rationale of the program to family and staff, stressing…
College Admissions Testing and Autism
This contribution is from Parent Advocate/Trainer Nancy Popkin. Back when my son was diagnosed with autism, I couldnāt imagine him going to college, let alone surviving his school years. But here we are, sixteen years post diagnosis, with a high school graduate who is now a college freshman. If college is in your childās future,…
Autism Insurance Legislation Introduced in North Carolina!
North Carolina General Assembly Representatives Chuck McGrady, Tom Murry, Phil Sheppard and Trisha Cotham have introduced NC House Bill 498, titled “Mandate Autism Health Coverage.” The bill would ensure that health benefits plans in North Carolina will provide coverage for diagnostic and treatment services for Autism Spectrum Disorders in individuals in private and state…