Action Alert: Proposed Changes to Medicaid Will Cut Funding Call Your Representatives Today! Congress is moving quickly to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) and replace it with the American Health Care Act, or AHCA. This bill will make drastic cuts to the Medicaid program affecting people with autism who are currently…
Craven County Chapter Leader Recognized
Kim Hoffman has selflessly given hours and hours of service as the Leader of the ASNC Craven County Chapter since January 2015. With the help of other dedicated volunteers, she has touched so many lives through the Chapter, organizing dozens of educational events, social activities, and awareness efforts in her community. Kim’s passion and energy…
How to Help as a Grandparent
This article was contributed by Terry Fetzer, who is an Autism Resource Specialist in the Eastern region and has a son and a grandson with autism. Most of us remember what a miracle it was when we became a parent of a child. The years pass, and now your child is an adult having a…
ASNC Day on the Hill
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. The Autism Society of North Carolina traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Autism Society of America’s annual Day on the Hill for Autism Society advocates. Our goal in participating this year was to make sure that we voiced to…
Understanding Autism with the Hula Hoop Analogy
This article was contributed by Nancy Popkin, Autism Resource Specialist in the Charlotte region and mom to a son with autism. One of the keys to parenting, working with, or just hanging out with an individual with autism is to truly understand the core characteristics of autism. Applying these core characteristics enhances our understanding of…
NC ABLE Program Starts January 26
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. Beginning Thursday, January 26, people with disabilities and their families can save and invest without losing means-tested benefits. ABLE accounts are affordable, tax-advantaged accounts that allow eligible individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities that occurred before the age of 26 to save…
Staying Safe: ASNC Can Help
As parents, we do all we can to make sure that our children understand how to remain safe. What’s “stranger danger”? How do you cross the road safely? How do you ask for help when you get lost or separated? But if your child has autism, you may face additional challenges, such as wandering (also…
Sensory-Friendly Activities Ease Winter Blues
“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…
’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…