Jesse Trimbach is 28 and lives in his own apartment in Asheville. He uses public transportation to get to the Habitat for Humanity office, where he volunteers doing data entry. He takes pride in making his own meals and in being independent. Jesse was diagnosed with autism at 2½ years old. He was in…
Putting the “Fun” in Fundraiser
It’s the middle of summer, and you have a bit of breathing room before the crazy round of activities cranks up again. Why not have a little fun and raise some money for people with autism and their loved ones at the same time? We’ve got some ideas to get you started: People…
Big Sister Takes Lessons to Heart
Sydney Ramey has learned many things from her younger brother, Charlie, like how to be patient and responsible. Sydney is 17 and Charlie, who has autism, is 14. Sydney says she also has learned from Charlie that “sometimes it’s best just to throw away your cares and laugh till it hurts.” That’s not all…
What Would Acceptance Mean to You?
More than anything, the Autism Society of North Carolina’s IGNITE program is a community where young adults on the autism spectrum find the acceptance and friendship they want and deserve. For the first time, they are going out with friends, driving, and dating. They are embarking on new educational journeys and landing jobs. The…
Focus on Safety at ASNC Conference
The Autism Society of North Carolina held its annual conference March 11-12 in Charlotte. We have been sharing information from conference presentations in occasional blog posts. Nancy Nestor and Nancy Popkin, two Charlotte-area Autism Resource Specialists, presented a session titled “Staying Two Steps Ahead: Safety Considerations for Caregivers,” on the second day of the conference….
Moving from Awareness to Acceptance
This April, for Autism Awareness Month, the Autism Society of North Carolina is focusing on acceptance and inclusion, not just awareness. We want people to know about autism’s challenges, so they can be more accommodating. But we also want them to know how their lives can be better when they include people with autism….
IF/THEN: A Strategy to Motivate Your Child with Autism
Back when my son was little and newly diagnosed with autism, he would play by looking at multiple books at a time spread out on the floor. When he was done, he would leave the books open on the floor and get a few more. Before long, our entire family room floor was carpeted…
The Invisible Disability: Another Facet of Autism
This article was contributed by Bobbi Wells, Autism Resource Specialist in the Eastern region and mom to a son with autism. Haven’t you heard the old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover?” Well, I am here to add to its meaning from an autism perspective. As a parent with a son who…
A Challenge for Change That Begins With YOU!
This article was contributed by Kim Tizzard, Associate Resource Specialist Director/Education Coordinator and mom to a son with autism. When my son was very young, his challenges, in all settings, seemed insurmountable. In particular, the thought of taking him out to church, school, a grocery store, or really anywhere that involved the public sector made…