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…
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…
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…
FACES | Family-Centered Care for Black Autistic Children
The Autism Society of North Carolina is partnering with FACES for Autism to offer 5-week training courses designed to improve knowledge, advocacy, and empowerment among underrepresented parents of children with autism. The FACES Framework is family-centered care with a focus on Fostering Advocacy, Communication, Empowerment, and Support to improve your child’s outcomes and your family’s…
Focus | BFAST and Supporting the Black Autism Community
The Autism Society of North Carolina has some exciting news to share. After many months of collaborating with The University of North Carolina’s TEACCH program, we are excited to announce the creation of a new website for North Carolina families. BFAST was created in partnership with members of the Black community to create easily accessed, culturally sensitive, and…
Behind the Scenes with an ASNC Support Groups Specialist
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…
Sarah Waller, an ASNC Registered Behavior Technician Who Goes Above and Beyond
One hot summer day, Sarah Waller’s 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 don’t 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 don’t truly understand the joys, tribulations, extreme victories and moments of defeat. It can be a lonely journey,…