Self-determination is often described as the combination of skills and knowledge that enables a person to engage in goal-directed, autonomous, and self-regulated behavior. Self-determined individuals have the power to exert control over their own lives in order to achieve the outcomes that they desire. Self-determined individuals make things happen in their lives, and they recognize…
Why I Run and Walk for Autism
Beverly Moore is Chair of the Board of Directors for the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). This guest Blog includes her comments to the participants at the recent WNC Run/Walk for Autism where she shares why it is important for parents, family members, friends, and the community to support the annual ASNC Run/Walk for…
Staying Two Steps Ahead: Safety in the Community and at Home
Parents worry about their childrenās health, happiness, and well-being, but parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) must look at their environment closely and take great care to ensure that their kids are safe both inside and outside the home. Why is safety for the person with ASD different from any other safety measures…
Medicaid Waiver (CAP IDD) Changes Take Effect Soon – What you need to know
Editor’s Note – The following update was compiled and vetted by Autism Society of North Carolina Senior Director of Quality and Programs Kerri Erb and Director of Governmental Relations Jennifer Mahan. Both these ASNC staff have been following changes to Medicaid Waiver services for quite some time. Last year, the State of North Carolina submitted…
Structure – an Important Teaching Tool
Editor’s Note – This article was written by Amy Hobbs, Training Coordinator for the Autism Society of North Carolina. To read Amy’s bio click here. It was Sunday and a new group of campers had arrived in the afternoon. I was called to the old dining hall to assist a counselor who was having trouble…
Honoring Direct Support Professionals
Editor’s Note – Last week was Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in North Carolina. The Autism Society of North Carolina employs hundreds of Direct Support personnel and without their dedication and continued efforts many individuals on the autism spectrum and their families would not have needed support services. The following article was provided by Kerri…
Communication is Key!
Editor’s Note – The following post was written by Autism Society of North Carolina Parent Advocate/Trainer Juliette Heim. For some of our children, the beginning of the school year has already begun, and for others, school is just around the corner. There is often uncertainty, anxiety, and the fear of the unknown that accompanies this…
Preparing to Go Back to School
Editor’s note- This article was written by Leica Anzaldo, MPA, BSW, Training Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina. Leica can be reached at lanzaldo@autismsociety-nc.org. For those of us with children on a traditional school schedule, the first day of school is just around the corner. While we may be ready (or not), it…
More North Carolina Budget Woes
At the end of the legislative session, state budget writers went from debating a zero to 10 million dollar cut, to taking a 20 million dollar cutĀ out of state funded services for people with developmental disabilities, mental illness and addictive disease. While it is the same cut as last year, it has much greater impact….