The following article was written by Linda Griffin, Parent Advocate Director for the Autism Society of North Carolina. In July 2011 we posted a blog article about the shocking use of corporal punishment in NC public schools. At that time we reported that 38 NC school districts allowed corporal punishment and 16 of those schools…
Staying Two Steps Ahead: Safety in the Community and at Home
Parents worry about their childrenās health, happiness, and well-being, but parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) must look at their environment closely and take great care to ensure that their kids are safe both inside and outside the home. Why is safety for the person with ASD different from any other safety measures…
Structure – an Important Teaching Tool
Editor’s Note – This article was written by Amy Hobbs, Training Coordinator for the Autism Society of North Carolina. To read Amy’s bio click here. It was Sunday and a new group of campers had arrived in the afternoon. I was called to the old dining hall to assist a counselor who was having trouble…
Honoring Direct Support Professionals
Editor’s Note – Last week was Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in North Carolina. The Autism Society of North Carolina employs hundreds of Direct Support personnel and without their dedication and continued efforts many individuals on the autism spectrum and their families would not have needed support services. The following article was provided by Kerri…
Communication is Key!
Editor’s Note – The following post was written by Autism Society of North Carolina Parent Advocate/Trainer Juliette Heim. For some of our children, the beginning of the school year has already begun, and for others, school is just around the corner. There is often uncertainty, anxiety, and the fear of the unknown that accompanies this…
Homeschooling Information – Factors to Consider
Editor’s Note – The following article is a compilation of information from Bridget Mora, a parent from Chapel Hill, who produced an article that appears on the ASNC website and did a great deal of research and Linda Griffin, Parent Advocate Director. Thanks to both of these ladies for their work to compile, condense, and…
Responding to Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom
Editor’s Note – The following article was written by Amy F. Hobbs, Training Specialist for the Autism Society of North Carolina. In teaching students with autism spectrum disorders, itās helpful to implement a variety of strategies for dealing with disruptions, distractions and inappropriate behavior. First, take the time to get to know your students…
Teaching Life Skills and Building Self-Esteem
Editor’s Note – The following article was written by Kathleen Dolbee, mother, educator, and Autism Society of North Carolina Parent Advocate. Teaching your son or daughter to do household chores is an important part of teaching them independent living skills. Be careful not to presume that your child already knows how to do a…
Proposed Changes in DSM-5 Criteria
In recent weeks national and local media outlets have reported about proposed changes to diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version 5Ā (DSM 5). The proposed changes have not been formalized and that process is expected to be completed by December 2012. – Editor What will the…