This article was contributed by Bobbi Wells, Autism Resource Specialist in the Eastern region and mom to a son with autism. Haven’t you heard the old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover?” Well, I am here to add to its meaning from an autism perspective. As a parent with a son who…
A Challenge for Change That Begins With YOU!
This article was contributed by Kim Tizzard, Associate Resource Specialist Director/Education Coordinator and mom to a son with autism. When my son was very young, his challenges, in all settings, seemed insurmountable. In particular, the thought of taking him out to church, school, a grocery store, or really anywhere that involved the public sector made…
Magic of Sesame Street Lets Us #SeeAmazing
This article was contributed by Amy Perry, an ASNC Autism Resource Specialist and mom to a daughter with autism. I’m going to get personal. When I heard Sesame Street was launching an autism initiative, I was very happy, and in some ways, I felt it was long overdue. I grew up watching Sesame Street and…
Wrapping Up the 2015 Legislative Session
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at ASNC. The NC General Assembly recently concluded an eight-month legislative session, the longest on record for the past 14 years. During the long session, ASNC continued to advocate for our legislative priorities, including access to high quality services and supports, better education…
PALS creates joy at Sanderson High School
It was 5:45 p.m. on a Thursday, but the cafeteria of Sanderson High School in Raleigh was abuzz with activity. Teens in togas and tutus flitted back and forth, hanging streamers and taping grinning ghosts and grimacing skulls to the walls. Platters of donated snacks and cupcakes were set out on tables in one corner,…
A Closer Look at North Carolina’s 2015-17 Budget
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at ASNC. The new state budget for budget years 2015-17, which began on July 1, 2015, sits at $21.7 billion. It includes several important policy initiatives for people with disabilities, but it also makes changes that could keep people with autism, intellectual…
NC Passes Autism Insurance: What It Means for Families
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at ASNC. On Tuesday, the North Carolina General Assembly passed SB676, “Autism Health Insurance Coverage.” The bill now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature, which would make North Carolina the 43rd state to enact autism insurance legislation. This is a historic…
Triangle Run/Walk for Autism: ‘One of our Favorite Days of the Year’
The second Saturday in October is a special day to 9-year-old Seamus Millet. On his family’s calendar, it is marked with a puzzle piece, and he counts down the days. Seamus, who was diagnosed with high-functioning autism just before his fifth birthday, is a veteran of the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism, the biggest fundraiser of…