Rachel’s face lights up anytime she talks about Josh, her younger brother with autism. “He’s so funny,” she says. “He goes around the house making sure all the lights are turned off – even when we’re still in the room.” When Rachel is feeling down, Josh is quick to cheer her up with a dog…
Common Back to School Questions – Answered!
On August 19, the Autism Society of North Carolina held a webinar panel discussion to address issues related to returning to school in 2021. The panel discussion featured Autism Resource Specialists Vickie Dieter and Nancy Nestor and Clinical Department members Deb Leach and Louise Southern. We know that a lot of uncertainty still exists around…
Counselor Spotlight: Grant Clark
Grant Clark first attended Camp Royall in 2012 as a camper. That summer, he decided that he would return one day as a counselor. This year, he fulfilled that promise. “It’s been really special seeing the other side of things, to see how much effort goes into making sure that these campers have an amazing…
It’s Time for the Dentist!
What feelings does this title bring to you? I can tell you that just writing about the dentist brought up all the anxiety-induced emotions that having a loved one with autism spectrum disorder, I/DD, and/or anxiety can bring. I (Kim) vividly remember my three-year-old son needing to have his blood drawn. It took a papoose…
Bringing Back Needed Structure and Routine
When the pandemic began in March 2020, our world took a sharp turn, and everyone’s life looked very different. With all the changes that occurred, known routines and schedules were literally turned upside down. We were left with uncertainty, few answers, and we may have lost control of maintaining what we had implemented and put…
Understanding the ISP
Because my adult son receives services through the Innovations Waiver program, we contribute to his ISP, or Individual Support Plan. During the school years, we were familiar with the IEP (Individualized Education Program), but since we transitioned into the post-school era, the document that we work on every year is the ISP. An ISP is…
Toddler Tantrum or Meltdown?
If you spend any time scrolling parent blogs or social media, you’ll inevitably come across anecdotes of toddlers having tantrums over their toast being cut the wrong way or leaving a favorite park. Tantrums are a big burst in anger or frustration in young children. They are typical and expected part of toddler development, and…
Our Position on Applied Behavior Analysis
There is confusion and controversy regarding Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), particularly when used as a comprehensive treatment for individuals with autism. Applied Behavior Analysis within the autism community is endorsed by many and criticized by others. It is a topic that evokes passion and emotional responses because of the perceptions, sometimes inaccurate, of how ABA…