Starting with a vision The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC), through its partnerships with programs focused on supporting people of color, is proud to carry on the legacy of Betty Camp: ASNC co-founder, former Board Chair, and Black parent of an autistic child. More than 40 years ago, Ms. Camp recognized the need for…
Leading the Way: Changing Perceptions About Autism for Black Families
As part of our celebration of Black History Month, we take this opportunity to recognize just a few of our many Black community members who share the Autism Society of North Carolina mission to ensure all families affected by autism are empowered to get what they need to thrive. In their different roles and professions,…
Resources to Empower Black Families on Their Autism Journey
February is Black History Month and the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) is highlighting the autism journey experienced by Black individuals and families across our state. Data shows that Black children in North Carolina have a lesser chance of being properly diagnosed with autism, are not receiving proper interventions, and experience gaps in how…
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 ASNCās 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. ASNCās 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 youāre 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, Touretteās) experience pressure to alter their natural ways of being to conform to neurotypical social expectationsāa 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 āfit in.ā…
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…