My son, who is 14, has autism. I also have six neurotypical kids. We never fit in anywhere we go. We are a large, biracial family and neurodiverse. People stare and make comments when we are out. We are used to it by now, but it is not easy. Sometimes I wish we looked “normal”…
Revisiting a Focus on Autism Healthy Habits
At the Autism Society of North Carolina’s 2018 annual conference, Mindy Govan and Alicia Lenhart, then Director and Assistant Director of ASNC’s IGNITE program for young adults on the spectrum, provided conference attendees with many tips they could use to build autism healthy habits for their loved ones or themselves. Those tips continue to be…
IGNITE Retreat at Camp Royall: Fun, fellowship, and independence
Each fall, the members of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) IGNITE community centers travel to Camp Royall for their annual retreat. ASNC’s IGNITE community centers provide a place where individuals with autism can safely navigate the transition from high school to adult life. Members spend time together learning and socializing with activities at…
Autism And The Holidays: Thriving This Holiday Season
The winter months are upon us, and with it comes holiday celebrations with family and friends. If you’re like me, the thought of the holidays makes you cringe because you know it can be such an overwhelming time for your loved ones living with autism. We feel tense about the crowds, the food choices, the…
Understanding Masking: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspective
Many autistic people and people with other neurodivergences (e.g., ADHD, Tourette’s) experience pressure to alter their natural ways of being to conform to neurotypical social expectations—a practice known as masking. Masking emerges from the pressure autistic people often face to modify their natural expressions and behaviors in response to neurotypical social expectations to “fit in.”…
Elections 2024: Get Ready to Vote!
As a reminder, the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) is sharing information about voting in North Carolina during this election year through blog articles, social media posts, and other channels. Much attention will be paid this year to state primaries, U.S. Congressional races, and state legislative races. As a nonprofit organization, ASNC does not…
Micah Dupree and Calyn McMullen receive 2024 McCrimmon Award
The McCrimmon Award is named for Ed McCrimmon, a longtime staff member at the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) known for his outstanding dedication and integrity in service to individuals with autism. Tragically, he died in 2017. The McCrimmon Award was established to keep Ed’s memory alive while celebrating other direct support professionals like…
Fatherhood and Autism: Words of Wisdom Part Two
Welcome to Part Two of our two-part blog series featuring the stories of four fathers who share the wisdom and insight they have gained while navigating the complexities of parenting an autistic child. Click here to read Part One of this special Father’s Day blog series. Let’s continue to explore the stories of these fathers…
Fatherhood and Autism: Words of Wisdom Part One
Fatherhood is a journey filled with both wonderful moments and significant challenges, highlighting the invaluable role that fathers play in their families. Fathers provide protection, guidance, stability, and support, serving as pillars of strength. This month, in honor of Father’s Day, we asked four remarkable fathers who have children with autism to share their experiences…