Legislative Mini Session Wrap Up The North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) returned to Raleigh on Wednesday, September 2 to allocate more than $900 million in federal Coronavirus money in a quick two-day process. Governor Cooper is widely expected to sign the bill; however, his office did note that they are still reviewing the legislation. Legislative…
Public Policy Update – State and Federal News
Below is the Autism Society of North Carolina’s weekly update on policy changes and legislation related to local, state, and federal COVID-19 emergency orders. This post covers July 31 – August 20. Congressional Update Since our last update, Congress has not passed any new legislation regarding COVID-19 and/or economic relief. A compromise is needed between…
Public Policy Update
Below is the Autism Society of North Carolina’s weekly update on policy changes and legislation related to local, state, and federal COVID-19 emergency orders. This post covers July 15 to July 30. Congressional Update – NEW! The US Senate has announced their new package of COVID-19 and economic relief, the HEALS Act. The Senate began negotiations with the US House…
Public Policy Update
Below is information about recent activity at the state and federal levels, including COVID-19 updates. Schools to Reopen On Tuesday, July 14, the Governor announced that schools would be allowed to open under “Plan B” which allows students to return to classrooms, while maintaining social distancing and other measures to avoid the spread of COVID-19….
Public Policy & Legislative News
Below is a summary and review of recent activity at the state and federal level. This includes COVID-19 related information and other legislative issues. Washington Update – No movement The US Senate has yet to respond to the passing of the HEROES Act. Our state is facing large budget deficits as a result of COVID-19’s…
Working through the Challenges of Wearing a Mask
As wearing a mask becomes our new normal, supporting an individual with autism to wear one for any amount of time might feel like a mountain to climb. In this blog, I will discuss potential reasons it can be particularly challenging for individuals with autism to wear masks, some alterations/adaptations to try, and suggestions for…
Weekly Policy Update: COVID-19 edition
This is the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) weekly update on policy changes and legislation related to local, state, and federal COVID-19 emergency orders. This post covers May 19-25. For daily updates, information, and help during the emergency, we recommend the following sources: NC COVID-19 page CDC COVID-19 page News & Observer Coronavirus coverage…
Staying Structured and Engaged in this Challenging Time
Individuals on the autism spectrum may be feeling particularly unsettled during this time. People around them are behaving differently and may be showing anxiety. Routines, on which many are so reliant, may be changing. The adults in their families may be working from home or not at all, and their schools might be closing. Access…