This article was contributed by Katie Holler, an ASNC Autism Resource Specialist in the Eastern Region. I am the mother of five daughters ages 7 to 13. Four of them have Autism Spectrum Disorder. When people ask me “How do you do it?,” I usually respond: “I just do it!” You might recognize my slogan,…
Bringing Autism and Faith Communities Together
This article was contributed by Judy Clute, an ASNC Autism Resource Specialist in Raleigh and mom to a son with autism. During recent Easter celebrations, my thoughts turned to the many families who would not be participating in a worship service because they have a child with autism. Many families have told me that they…
13 Tough Truths Only Parents of Kids With Autism Will Understand
Editor’s Note – The following article is re-posted with permission by Eric Williams, a Fayetteville dad, counselor,and therapist. For more information about Mr. Williams click here. This is what it’s like (and what it takes) to be the father of a child with autism. Buckle up! Autism is not a childhood diagnosis; it is a…
Focus on Employment at ASNC Annual Conference
At ASNC, we believe that meaningful employment is a key component of a fulfilling life, but about four out of five adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are unemployed. Across the US, some enterprising families, and other concerned people, have come up with new and exciting ways to ensure that individuals with autism will enjoy…
Our Future, Together
This article was contributed by Kristy White, the Chief Development Officer for the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). Kristy has been a leader in the field of inclusion, launching cutting-edge inclusion models and raising millions for inclusive programming across the country. She joined ASNC in March 2012 because of her passion for improving…
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…
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…
“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…