Editor’s Note – The following article is written by Kristy White, Director of Development, and describes a variety of ways people and corporations are helping to make a difference. Anyone can join the Autism Society of North Carolina’s team and make a difference in the lives of individuals with autism and their families. Whether through…
Avoiding Power Struggles
Editor’s Note – This week’s article is provided by Amy Hobbs, Training Coordinator, for the Autism Society of North Carolina. Amy works out of the ASNC Asheville office and can be reached via email at ahobbs@autismsociety-nc.org or via phone at 828-236-1547. Despite the welcomed summer break, after a few weeks without the structure of school…
What’s in health reform (Affordable Care Act) for people on the autism spectrum?
Editor’s Note – Thanks to Jennifer Mahan, Autism Society of North Carolina Director of Government Relations for the following analysis of last week’s Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act. The Supreme Court of the United States recently upheld the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which would expand health care coverage for many people in…
School is out for summer. What to do?
Editor’s Note: This week’s Blog contribution is from Leica Anzaldo, Training Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina’s Training Department. School is out and while many of us have been anxiously awaiting this day, for others it is a time of anxiety. Summer for children with autism and their families can be a particularly…
Homeschooling Information – Factors to Consider
Editor’s Note – The following article is a compilation of information from Bridget Mora, a parent from Chapel Hill, who produced an article that appears on the ASNC website and did a great deal of research and Linda Griffin, Parent Advocate Director. Thanks to both of these ladies for their work to compile, condense, and…
Responding to Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom
Editor’s Note – The following article was written by Amy F. Hobbs, Training Specialist for the Autism Society of North Carolina. In teaching students with autism spectrum disorders, it’s helpful to implement a variety of strategies for dealing with disruptions, distractions and inappropriate behavior. First, take the time to get to know your students…
Teaching Life Skills and Building Self-Esteem
Editor’s Note – The following article was written by Kathleen Dolbee, mother, educator, and Autism Society of North Carolina Parent Advocate. Teaching your son or daughter to do household chores is an important part of teaching them independent living skills. Be careful not to presume that your child already knows how to do a…
1 in 88, 1 in 70, what does it all mean?
On March 29, just two days before the beginning of Autism Awareness Month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new figures for the prevalence of autism. While no one expected a decrease, the new rate of 1 in 88 nationally (up from 1 in 110 in two years) and 1 in 70…
A+KIDS: Important Information for Children with ASD who Receive Behavior Medications
What is it? The A+KIDS (Anti-psychotics-Keep It Documented for Safety) program is an effort to assure that children in the NC Medicaid program who receive anti-psychotic medications are being monitored for possible side effects. These medicines are sometimes prescribed to help reduce severe agitation, self-injury, and/or physical aggression in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Examples…