Editor’s note: For those who have a loved one with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a community of support can be a lifeline. For more than 40 years, ASNC Chapters and Support Groups have provided families who face similar challenges an opportunity to encourage one another, share experiences, find information and resources, and have a place where…
House Approves its Budget Adjustments Bill
As we wrote about in a previous budget update, the NC Senate passed its version of the budget on May 30. That Senate bill contained a number of cuts and policy changes that would negatively affect people on the autism spectrum and people with disabilities. The House responded with its version, which passed Friday, June…
General Assembly Budget Update and Action Alert!
Last week, the NC Senate passed a budget adjustments bill that proposes cuts to teacher’s assistants, other school funds, and Medicaid, including the cutting of so-called “optional populations,” such as those eligible for Special Assistance and the medically needy. See our previous post for details on the proposal. In short, these cuts would be devastating…
The Importance of Keeping it Visual during Summer Break
Summer vacation is just about here for many of us, and we are all looking forward to some much-needed sunshine, warmth, and fun activities. Even with a relaxed schedule, and lots of fun on the agenda, our children with autism will continue to need extra visual supports to help guide them through the day….
Senate Approves Budget Adjustments Bill
During the long legislative session last year, the NC General Assembly created a two-year budget for the state. During this year’s short legislative session, lawmakers review the budget and make adjustments based on current spending, revenues, and any new priorities that arose in the past year. The governor released his budget proposal several weeks ago,…
Summer Doesn’t Mean a Break from Learning
This article was contributed by Leica Anzaldo, Training Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina. Many of us are looking forward to the summer: no early mornings at the bus stop, frantic lunch packing, haggling over bedtime… you get the picture. Of course a break from the intensity of school is important, but don’t…
Spotlight on the Forsyth County Chapter
Editor’s note: For those who have a loved one with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a community of support can be a lifeline. For more than 40 years, ASNC Chapters and Support Groups have provided families who face similar challenges an opportunity to encourage one another, share experiences, find information and resources, and have a place where…
Spotlight on the Onslow County Chapter
Editor’s note: For those who have a loved one with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a community of support can be a lifeline. For more than 40 years, ASNC Chapters and Support Groups have provided families who face similar challenges an opportunity to encourage one another, share experiences, find information and resources, and have a place where…
Fight on, Autism Moms!
Autism moms are fighters. Recently, while I was at an autism awareness event, I asked a fellow mom to be in a photo with me. She jokingly remarked that she would have to hide her arms. “Oh, are you a chef?” I asked, thinking I saw burn marks. “No, I’m an autism mom.” Her…