This article was contributed by Kim Tizzard, Associate Resource Specialist Director/Education Coordinator and mom to a son with autism. When my son was very young, his challenges, in all settings, seemed insurmountable. In particular, the thought of taking him out to church, school, a grocery store, or really anywhere that involved the public sector made…
Magic of Sesame Street Lets Us #SeeAmazing
This article was contributed by Amy Perry, an ASNC Autism Resource Specialist and mom to a daughter with autism. I’m going to get personal. When I heard Sesame Street was launching an autism initiative, I was very happy, and in some ways, I felt it was long overdue. I grew up watching Sesame Street and…
Wrapping Up the 2015 Legislative Session
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at ASNC. The NC General Assembly recently concluded an eight-month legislative session, the longest on record for the past 14 years. During the long session, ASNC continued to advocate for our legislative priorities, including access to high quality services and supports, better education…
Autism Insurance and Annual Enrollment: Proactive Planning Pays
Editor’s note: This article is informational in nature and should not replace a thorough reading of your employer’s benefits literature. Each insurance plan is different, and often employers offer multiple plans. When enrolling in health care insurance, one must consider many factors: Amount of coverage Out-of-pocket cost Availability of providers (in-network) If you have a…
A Closer Look at North Carolina’s 2015-17 Budget
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at ASNC. The new state budget for budget years 2015-17, which began on July 1, 2015, sits at $21.7 billion. It includes several important policy initiatives for people with disabilities, but it also makes changes that could keep people with autism, intellectual…
Be Prepared: Carry an Autism Survival Kit
This article was contributed by Wanda Curley, an Autism Resource Specialist in the Triad and mom to a son with autism. We live in a busy, fast-paced world that can be full of change and surprises. For most of us, planning ahead and being prepared for those last-minute changes is helpful. For individuals with Autism…
Priming 101: Help Your Loved One with ASD Succeed in New Situations
How many of you have experienced the challenge of introducing something new or unknown to your loved one with autism? Having an effective plan is a critical component to the autistic person succeeding and reduces the likelihood that they will respond negatively or incorrectly. For some autistic individuals, priming should be a key part of…
Nominate Your Direct Support Professional for Roman Award
This article was contributed by Kerri Erb, Chief Program Officer. This week, Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, we are taking time to honor our staff members who provide critical support for individuals with autism. Every day, they work one-to-one with individuals with autism, teaching skill acquisition and supporting them in reaching their life goals. In…
Triangle Run/Walk for Autism: ‘One of our Favorite Days of the Year’
The second Saturday in October is a special day to 9-year-old Seamus Millet. On his family’s calendar, it is marked with a puzzle piece, and he counts down the days. Seamus, who was diagnosed with high-functioning autism just before his fifth birthday, is a veteran of the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism, the biggest fundraiser of…