Below is this week’s Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) weekly update on policy changes and legislation related to COVID-19, local, state, and federal emergency orders. For daily updates and information, we recommend the following sources: NC DHHS COVID-19 page CDC COVID-19 page (Raleigh) News &Observer coverage of COVID-19 (some of which is available to…
Weekly Policy Update: COVID-19 Policy Changes
The Autism Society of North Carolina will issue weekly updates, including calls to action, on policy changes and legislation related to COVID-19, local, state, and federal emergency orders. For daily updates and information, we recommend the following sources: NC DHHS COVID–19 page CDC COVID-19 page (Raleigh) News &Observer coverage of COVID-19 (which is available to the public without subscription) NC Council on…
From Awareness, to Acceptance, to Empowerment
Individuals with autism and those who love and support them have a long history of advocating for their community, an undertaking fueled by their fundamental belief that the potential for a person with autism is limitless. From these grassroots advocacy efforts has sprung meaningful, sustainable outcomes that benefit everyone with autism and those who love…
Weekly Update: COVID-19 Policy Changes
Weekly Update: COVID-19 Policy Changes Affecting People with Autism, Families, and Caregivers ASNC will be issuing weekly updates, including calls to action, on policy changes and legislation related to COVID-19 and local, state, and federal emergency orders. For daily updates and information, we recommend the following sources: NC DHHS COVID-19 page CDC COVID-19 page (Raleigh)…
2020 Census: Time to Be Counted!
Note: We recognize that much of our collective attention is on COVID-19 issues. ASNC continues to advocate for people with autism and families across our government and monitor information across all related COVID-19 issues. ASNC is participating on various NC DHHS, emergency preparedness, health and disability services-focused workgroups, continually collecting information, providing feedback, and advocating…
Staying Structured and Engaged in this Challenging Time
Individuals on the autism spectrum may be feeling particularly unsettled during this time. People around them are behaving differently and may be showing anxiety. Routines, on which many are so reliant, may be changing. The adults in their families may be working from home or not at all, and their schools might be closing. Access…
COVID-19/Coronavirus Relief Bill: Contact Your Senators
People with disabilities may be at increased risk and more likely to be affected by coronavirus due to underlying health conditions. Any legislation intended to help must address their needs! This bill is moving very quickly and has already passed the US House. The US Senate plans to take the bill up to make changes…
Creating Success While Incorporating Interests and Strengths
A Look Back When my son Logan was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4, he was preverbal and was not able to pronounce most of his sounds. He could say “ba,” and a year later was able to say “ma.” It took years for him to master making all of the sounds necessary…
How to Advocate for Yourself
The feeling of being in control of one’s own life is one of the most basic yet most important forms of self-worth we have as people and an essential part of happiness. However, it is one of the most difficult aspects of being on the spectrum. The transition to adulthood is a fraught time for…