Budget Process Halted; State Budget Delayed until at least August House and Senate Budget Conferees have been named to work out differences between the two versions of the state budget (H259, the Appropriations Act for 2023-2025); however, negotiations have been delayed. Legislative leaders have cited differences over both tax cuts/revenue changes and non-budget legislation, including…
He Needed Something More, and We Found It at Camp Royall
As the mom of four Au-Somely unique children, I’m always trying to find the right path, the right therapies, and the right connections for them. Sometimes those connections are obvious and easy to come across, but others aren’t as clear. My 18-year-old son graduated from our homeschool in May 2022, and we began this journey…
Public Policy Update: Governor’s Budget Released, Medicaid Expansion Bill Advances, Medicaid Services Updates
On March 15, the Governor released his budget proposal. It is quite extensive, and in this entry, we have listed some highlights of items that have an impact on many people on the autism spectrum and their families and which address our public policy priorities. Health and Human Services $126 million for 2,000 more Innovations waiver…
Register to Vote by April 22 for May 17 Primary
The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) is updating and re-publishing its series of articles on elections and voting in North Carolina. ASNC encourages you to understand when and how you can exercise your right to vote. The North Carolina Primary election will be held on May 17, 2022. Primaries determine which candidates will…
Public Policy Update
Listen to our latest podcast about these policy developments. Federal Actions American Rescue Act: Congress passed an additional COVID and economic relief bill – the American Rescue Plan (ARP) – in early March. The legislation includes a number of items meant to address ongoing problems related to the pandemic including $1,400 stimulus checks for many Americans (including dependents and individuals with disabilities); an extension of unemployment benefits; additional funding…
Planning for School, Step 2: Getting Organized
Editor’s note: This is part of a series of articles. Click here to read the first one. By now you should know which plan your school district has selected to begin the school year. If you are not sure, contact your child’s school or check the district website. We do know that every student will…
Planning for School, Step 1: Understand Your Options
Anxiety is running high these days, and one of the big stressors is what the coming school year will look like for our kids. On July 14, Gov. Cooper announced that each of the school districts in North Carolina will operate under their Plan B scenario for reopening under moderate COVID-19 conditions, with the option…
Working through the Challenges of Wearing a Mask
As wearing a mask becomes our new normal, supporting an individual with autism to wear one for any amount of time might feel like a mountain to climb. In this blog, I will discuss potential reasons it can be particularly challenging for individuals with autism to wear masks, some alterations/adaptations to try, and suggestions for…