This article was contributed by Terry Fetzer, who is an Autism Resource Specialist in the Eastern region and has a son and a grandson with autism. Most of us remember what a miracle it was when we became a parent of a child. The years pass, and now your child is an adult having a…
Supported Employment Brings Fulfillment
Editor’s note: This article previously appeared in ASNC’s Spectrum magazine. David Roth’s parents never have to wake him up in the morning or push him to get out the door on time for his job. The 27-year-old with autism works at the Courtyard in Chapel Hill, mostly in the fast-paced, physically demanding laundry, but he…
’Tis the Season … for Opportunities!
Many families who have children and other family members with an Autism Spectrum Disorder have a collection of war stories and battle scars (emotional and physical) associated with the holiday season. Children, youth, and adults with autism who already struggle with over-stimulation, change, and disruption are bombarded with a barrage of sights, smells, sounds, schedule…
Surviving the Season: Tips to Help You Enjoy the Holidays
The holidays are anticipated by many, yet when the temperatures cool and bells start jingling, we will all be likely to hear people around us talking about the added stress and strain they can bring to families as well. This can be doubly true for families with a loved one on the spectrum, who must…
Camp Royall: Better than the Beach
This article was written for the 2016 Camp Chronicle, which will be posted online later this month and mailed to campers and their families. To learn more about ASNC’s Camp Royall, go to www.camproyall.org. For Scott Lambeth, a day at Camp Royall is better than a day at the beach. Scott, who is 40 years…
Run/Walk for Autism: A Day “I Can Just Be Me!”
Two years ago at the 2014 Triangle Run/Walk for Autism, 7-year-old Abigail was in tears after crossing the finish line. She told her worried mother that she was sad because she didn’t win the race. Abigail’s parents explained to her that finishing first was not their goal. The little girl with autism took the lesson…
Big Sister Takes Lessons to Heart
Sydney Ramey has learned many things from her younger brother, Charlie, like how to be patient and responsible. Sydney is 17 and Charlie, who has autism, is 14. Sydney says she also has learned from Charlie that “sometimes it’s best just to throw away your cares and laugh till it hurts.” That’s not all…