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…
Documenting Your Concerns in Your Child’s IEP
This article was contributed by Teresa Mebane, an Autism Resource Specialist in the Wilmington region and an autism mom. Now that school is back in session, it’s time to think about your child’s IEP. Do you ever feel your concerns are not being heard? Have you left an IEP meeting with unanswered questions? Here are…
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…
HPU Lacrosse Team Steps Out to Improve Lives in Greensboro Run/Walk for Autism
The High Point University men’s lacrosse team has quickly established a winning tradition in the first four years of its existence, but for Triad families with autism, some of the team’s off-the-field stats are what make the players outstanding: 4 years of participating in the Greensboro Run/Walk for Autism as a team 56 lacrosse players…
Bringing Art into the Lives of Adults with Autism
The Autism Society of North Carolina’s day program in Raleigh, Creative Living, focuses on clients’ individual strengths and interests to help them lead meaningful lives. Art is a large part of this individually tailored approach. Creative Living clients express themselves through many media, including painting and pottery.“Through art, there’s no right or wrong way to…
Make This Your Child’s Best School Year Yet
Are you ready for back-to-school time? Or does the mere thought of a new school year make you anxious? The Autism Society of North Carolina is ready to partner with you and your child for a successful school year. Please take advantage of the resources we offer. Toolkits: In the past year and a half,…
WNC Run/Walk for Autism Celebrates 10 Years of Community Stepping Out to Improve Lives
The WNC Run/Walk for Autism celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and Katie Wills has been with it every step of the way. Katie moved to Asheville in 2000 with her husband, Lewis, and son, Jesse, who was then a teenager. Jesse was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 and is nonverbal. Since…
General Assembly Approves ABLE Accounts for NC Families
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at ASNC. On Monday, Aug. 3, The General Assembly approved legislation authorizing ABLE accounts in North Carolina; Gov. Pat McCrory is expected to sign the bill into law. The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, a federal law signed in December…