Each fall, the members of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) IGNITE community centers travel to Camp Royall for their annual retreat. ASNC’s 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…
A Letter of Gratitude and Love from the Clinical Team
During this Thanksgiving season, members of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) clinical team reflected on their gratitude for the individuals and families they serve. Here is what they had to say, in their own words. “What a blessing it is to work with these families. It feels like such an honor to be…
Build Sensory Kits to Provide Comfort After Hurricane
We are grateful for the enormous outpouring of concern for the families we serve who were affected by Hurricane Helene. Many individuals with autism in western North Carolina have been displaced from their homes, schools, or other services. When individuals with autism are in new situations or environments, they can feel uncomfortable, anxious, or frightened….
Micah Dupree and Calyn McMullen receive 2024 McCrimmon Award
The McCrimmon Award is named for Ed McCrimmon, a longtime staff member at the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) known for his outstanding dedication and integrity in service to individuals with autism. Tragically, he died in 2017. The McCrimmon Award was established to keep Ed’s memory alive while celebrating other direct support professionals like…
Support Groups: A Safe Space to Simply Be Yourself
The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) knows it can be challenging to find a community where individuals with autism and their families and caregivers can gather, feel accepted, and find belonging. That’s why ASNC has established Support Groups in 80 counties across North Carolina. These groups provide opportunities for members of our autism community…
ABA Services for Young Children: Home or Clinic-Based?
When considering ABA Services for Young Children (Applied Behavior Analysis), many providers offer services in the client’s home, while others offer clinic-based care or some combination of these two environments. Clinic-based care may be the right option for many individuals, but there are nuanced factors to consider when evaluating whether this environment fits your child’s…
I/DD Advocacy Day Opportunity | May 14, 2024
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities and Meet the Need NC are organizing advocates to attend a Listening Session at the NC Legislative I/DD Caucus meeting on Tuesday, May 14. The I/DD Caucus is working to educate legislators about the needs of the I/DD community, in particular the 17,500+ waiting list for Innovations waivers…
ASNC Public Policy Update
NCGA starts legislative short session; NC Center for Safer Schools issues guidance regarding school Threat Assessment Teams; Tailored Plan Reminders North Carolina General Assembly is back in session. Legislators have returned to Raleigh for the start of the “short” legislative session that takes place in even numbered years. During this briefer legislative session, lawmakers consider…
Transitions: Evernham Family IGNITE – Sparking Passion, Fueling Aspirations
Transitions, defined by Webster as “a change or shift from one state, subject, place, etc. to another,” can be challenging in the best of circumstances. For those on the autism spectrum, transitions are especially difficult. Whether changing activities, moving between places, or transiting through life changes, it is critical for autistic individuals to have the…