By Kathleen Dolbee, ASNC Parent Advocate Parents of kids with ASD often become experts on the subject of autism. Back when my son was first diagnosed, I was starving for information. I read every book I could get my hands on. I was less concerned with academic progress and most interested in addressing his social…
CAP IDD Waiver Changes Delayed
For people currently receiving CAP IDD (MRDD) Waiver services the Autism Society of North Carolina previously provided an update here about major changes that were expected to take place November 1, 2011. It is our understanding that the Division of Medical Assistance and Division of MHDDSAS have requested an extension of the current waiver until January…
Highlight on Health Concerns: Weight Management
This blog post was submitted by the ASPIRE Research Team at the UNC School of Medicine. Approved treatments for autism Although most readers of this blog will already know, it is still important to note that autism is now considered common. Recent estimates indicate a prevalence of between 1 in every 110 to 1 in…
Teaching Social Skills Frontwards, by Dan Coulter
Why do we tend to teach social skills backwards? Instead of consistently teaching our kids manners, many of us wait until they do something wrong and then correct them. Imagine using this approach in a driver’s education class. They’d put you in a manual transmission car with no training. Then they’d turn on the engine…
CAP I/DD Waiver Changes Part 2
The Community Alternatives Program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (CAP I/DD, formerly known as CAP MR/DD) is expected to change beginning November 1st, 2011. Changes to the program still need to be approved by the Federal Government, however approval is expected and the Division of Medical Assistance which operates the CAP I/DD in…
Combating Autism Reauthorization Act and other Federal Policy Updates
Good News! The Combating Autism Reauthorization Act, S. 1094 and H. 2005 are moving forward. Two weeks ago the Senate bill was approved by the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee; North Carolina Senators Burr and Hagan both attended the meeting. And today, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor announced that the House Combating Autism…
Changes to CAP I/DD (MR/DD) Waiver
The Community Alternatives Program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (CAP I/DD, formerly known as CAP MR/DD) is expected to change beginning November 1st, 2011. Changes to the program still need to be approved by the Federal Government, however approval is expected and the Division of Medicaid Assistance which operates the CAP I/DD in…
Information Sessions on CAP I/DD Waiver Changes
North Carolina’s Community Alternatives Program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (CAP I/DD formerly CAP MR/DD) is expected to change as of November 1, 2011. The Autism Society of North Carolina will publish a longer blog post about those changes, which includes a limit on the number of habilitation hours. The Developmental Disabilities Training Institute has…
Expanding Your Child’s School Comfort Zone, By Dan Coulter
Here’s an article about the value of taking your child who has Asperger Syndrome to visit his teacher and classroom before school starts. While this article focuses on younger children, it can also be helpful to schedule a school visit with middle school and high school students who have Asperger Syndrome. Hope this is helpful….