The Jordan family of Elizabeth City took one of their passions, music, to raise money for another: improving the lives of people with autism. Their second annual NC Rock Autism Music Festival in summer 2018 raised more than $20,000! This year, they’ll hold the third annual festival on August 3. Learn more about the musical…
Ask Your Representatives to Support These Federal Bills
Below are brief summaries of bills introduced in Congress that would affect people with autism and their families. More information on each bill and other federal actions can be found on the Autism Society of America’s Action Center webpage. The Autism Society of North Carolina urges you to contact your members of Congress and ask…
Autism Awareness: We Are All Human
I’m here to talk to you about autism awareness. The autism community could use the help of people who aren’t a part of it. People who have autism can talk and behave differently from people without it. If someone without autism knows that the person with autism they’re talking to has it, they’ll understand and…
Governor Declares NC an Employment First State
Gov. Roy Cooper declared North Carolina an Employment First state last week, signing an executive order to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. “North Carolina can be its best when all people have the opportunity to achieve their potential and live lives of purpose, including North Carolinians with disabilities,” Gov. Cooper said. “With this…
Governor releases budget; NCGA begins budget process
Gov. Roy Cooper released his two-year $25.2 billion budget proposal, a 5.4% increase over last year’s enacted budget, with a clear focus on education, health care, and the state’s infrastructure. Among the highlights was a 9.1% average raise for teachers over two years, a one-time 2% cost-of-living adjustment for retired state employees, and Medicaid expansion….
When Should Parents Disclose Their Child’s Diagnosis?
Once your child has a diagnosis of autism, one of your first questions may be, “So who do I tell?” The best rule of thumb: If your child will require a level of accommodation, modification, support, service, or just patience and understanding in a certain situation, then telling someone about the diagnosis can help make…
Public Policy: Advocacy in 2019 and Beyond
One of the most difficult aspects of advocacy is looking at all of the barriers that one might face and believing, despite all of it, that change is possible. The Autism Society of North Carolina has from the start been dedicated to using advocacy to improve the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and…
Preparing Your Loved One for Adult Success
I have been employed by the Autism Society of NC for more than 20 years, and I can honestly say that we have definitely hit a surge in calls regarding adults looking for meaningful employment as well as parents looking to get their adult children out in the community. Parents of adults typically call for…