This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy. The North Carolina General Assembly began its long legislative session on January 28, spending the two weeks prior to that organizing committee membership and shifting offices for new members and leaders. This year’s legislative session is off to a slow start. The…
Learning Through Seeing
This article was contributed by Kathleen Dolbee, a parent and ASNC Autism Resource Specialist for Western North Carolina. No two minds are exactly alike; each has its own way of learning. What works well for one person may not work as well for another. For example, some people grasp and remember ideas better when they…
Make Your Voice Heard on Services in NC
This article was contributed by Kerri Erb, ASNC’s Chief Program Officer. In the coming months, we all have many opportunities to help shape future services for people on the autism spectrum in North Carolina. In ongoing community meetings, ASNC has been represented by our staff members and families from local ASNC chapters. Read on for…
A New Program for Direct Services: LifeLong Interventions
This article was contributed by Dr. Aleck Myers, the Clinical Director for the Autism Society of North Carolina. The Autism Society is excited to announce the inauguration of a new service to provide direct supports to children, youth, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. What is LifeLong Interventions? Think early intervention, but for all ages….
A New Year: Time to Plan
Happy New Year to everyone! Whew! I love the holidays. It’s a time to look back at the past year and gratefully reflect on all the blessings in our lives. When the flurry of activities is over, it’s a wonderful time to slow down and reconnect with friends and family. As the last of the…
Holidays on the Spectrum: It Gets Better
This article was contributed by Judy Smithmyer, an ASNC Autism Resource Specialist in the Greensboro region and mom to a daughter with autism. The holiday season can be stressful for most people, but for families who have a loved one on the spectrum, it can be most difficult. This Thanksgiving was an example of one…
ASNC’s Maureen Morrell Honored by NC Council on Developmental Disabilities
Maureen Morrell, State Chapter Director for the Autism Society of North Carolina, was awarded the Helen C. “Holly” Riddle Distinguished Service Award by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities on Nov. 19 in Cary. Morrell has advocated for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families for more than 30 years. She has…
ASNC Advocating for You on Services Issues
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, and Kerri Erb, Chief Program Officer. Federal Guidance on Autism Services under Medicaid “Will Medicaid cover autism services including Applied Behavioral Analysis?” Many families have asked this question since the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidance earlier this…
“Autism…What Does It Mean to Me?” Brings Understanding
This article was contributed by Jade McWilliams, autistic self-advocate. I first came across “Autism…What Does It Mean to Me?” when I was officially diagnosed with autism, about 4 years ago at the local TEACCH Center. At this time, Catherine Faherty was still working for TEACCH. (I knew I was autistic before that, but being a…