For many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, interacting with others can be challenging, especially when those other individuals are placing demands. To help develop skills and build independence in individuals that we serve, we must at times ask them to do things that may be challenging. This can range from encouraging an individual to use…
Simple Ways to Keep It “Cool” this Summer
Summer is finally here, and the temperatures are rising! Thankfully, we don’t have to see a rise in tantrum behavior with those temperatures. Here are five simple ways to help prevent the heat from rising inside your home: Grandma’s Law There is no way to avoid asking your child to do tasks that they…
Early Intervention Strategies to Promote Communication Behaviors
In early intervention, key areas of focus should include communication and social engagement. How do we begin to build these behaviors in young children with autism? It is important to use a systematic approach. In addition, it’s ok to start simple, and recognize that baby steps (e.g., a few more seconds of engagement with the…
Asheville Workshop Provides Strategies for Challenging Behavior
Want to learn more about basic strategies to address challenging behavior? If you are in the Asheville area, consider attending the May 20 workshop led by ASNC’s Clinical Professionals. As professionals working in the field of ASD intervention and as parents/caregivers of individuals with ASD, it is likely that we have all experienced challenging and…
Promoting Healthy Eating
“When he’s hungry enough, he’ll eat.” How often have we heard this from well-meaning family, friends, and medical providers? While most young children exhibit food preferences and some food selectivity, other children display persistent and highly restrictive eating patterns. Almost 70% of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder exhibit selective and restrictive eating patterns. Some children’s…
Learn More about ASNC with New Podcasts
Online interviews explore issues faced by the autism community in North Carolina, provide information about the Autism Society of North Carolina’s services and supports, and share personal stories. If you have a smartphone, you probably use it for more than phone calls. Today’s technology enables us to use our phones to listen to music, watch…
The Power of Reinforcement
This article was contributed by Leica Anzaldo, Training Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina. As I was sitting in the classroom today watching a child I work with tear up his fifth math worksheet, my brain immediately went into functional assessment mode. This was an obvious one: escape. But why was he trying…
Comprehensive Intervention Offered by ASNC’s Clinical Department
What is this intervention? LifeLong Interventions is a new service delivery model that provides comprehensive treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder, across skill domains and the lifespan. The service is rooted in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and involves intensive teaching and training using evidence-based practices to promote appropriate skills and behaviors in the…
Dealing with Frigid Weather, Interrupted Routines
This article was contributed by Leica Anzaldo, Training Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina. We have certainly felt the arctic blast this past week, and while it created inconveniences for many of us, for some individuals on the autism spectrum, it wreaked havoc on their lives and those routines on which they are so…