The role of the ASNC Support Groups Specialist is truly unique. There are seven Support Groups Specialist positions across the state, six of which are filled by a remarkable team of ladies who serve their local regions. Have you ever wondered how an Autism Society of North Carolina Support Group leader developed their group…
Medicaid ā Will you be eligible for health care under the new expanded Medicaid program?
Starting December 1, 2023, North Carolina will expand health insurance coverage under Medicaid to people up to 138% of the federal poverty guidelines. This means more people will qualify including people who were not eligible previously.Ā Ā NC Medicaid covers most health services. It includes doctor visits, check-ups, emergency care, hospital services, maternity and postpartum care,…
Epilepsy Awareness is Part of Our World
Just before my son received his autism diagnosis at the age of five, he was diagnosed with a partial complex seizure disorder. When we took him to the Children’s Developmental Service Agency, or CDSA, as a three-year-old, to learn more about his behavior and language differences, the psychologist suggested we schedule testing with a neurologist…
Sarah Waller, an ASNC Registered Behavior Technician Who Goes Above and Beyond
One hot summer day, Sarah Wallerās car broke down on her way to work. Waller is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who implements Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) plans for the Autism Society of North Carolina. Rather than cancel the session with the client and their family, Waller walked three miles in 100-degree heat to make…
Applied Behavior Analysis: Misconceptions and Quality Indicators
At the Autism Society of North Carolina, we believe that every autistic individual and their family has the right to high quality, person-centered, autism-informed services that recognize and value the individual’s neurodiversity. For individuals and families who pursue applied behavior analysis (ABA), we encourage you to advocate for a provider offering modern ABA. ABA represents…
Finding Connection and Understanding in Support Groups
Being an autism parent can be a challenge when you donāt have a community of support and understanding. We are in a different phase of life than many of our friends who want to support us, but donāt truly understand the joys, tribulations, extreme victories and moments of defeat. It can be a lonely journey,…
Eye Exams and Autism
My youngest son, Daniel, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 1/2 years old. Our family was thrown into our own āhow to navigate our autismā journey. Although my son has limited language now, he was essentially non-verbal in those early years. Communication was difficult. Thankfully, here and there, we met wonderful providers,…
Disclosing Disability in the Workplace – My Experience
I am a late-diagnosed autistic adult, and I have ADHD, Bipolar II, OCD, and generalized anxiety. I also have dermatillomania, or skin picking disorder, and my information processing abilities rank 13th percentile. Physically, I have substantial hearing loss in both ears. This article focuses on lessons I learned as I searched for employment. I now…
Andrea Miller-Weir Named 2023 Roman Award Winner
When Direct Support Professional Andrea Miller-Weir began working with 11-year-old Alex Bagley, he couldnāt put his face underwater in the pool. With Miller-Weirās help, Alex became an award-winning swimmer and Special Olympics athlete. In the years since their first meeting, Miller-Weir has supported Alex through high school graduation, securing meaningful employment, and traveling the world….