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…
Clary Lamberton Named 2015 Winner of Roman Direct Service Award
The Autism Society of North Carolina has named Clary Lamberton of Asheville as the 2015 winner of the John and Claudia Roman Direct Service Award. The annual award honors a direct service employee of the Autism Society of North Carolina who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to individuals with autism and their families. Lamberton is a…
Wrapping Up the 2015 Legislative Session
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at ASNC. The NC General Assembly recently concluded an eight-month legislative session,Ā the longest on record for the past 14 years. During the long session, ASNC continued to advocate for our legislative priorities, including access to high quality services and supports, better education…
Autism Insurance and Annual Enrollment: Proactive Planning Pays
Editorās note: This article is informational in nature and should not replace a thorough reading of your employerās benefits literature. Each insurance plan is different, and often employers offer multiple plans. When enrolling in health care insurance, one must consider many factors: Amount of coverage Out-of-pocket cost Availability of providers (in-network) If you have a…
PALS creates joy at Sanderson High School
It was 5:45 p.m. on a Thursday, but the cafeteria of Sanderson High School in Raleigh was abuzz with activity. Teens in togas and tutus flitted back and forth, hanging streamers and taping grinning ghosts and grimacing skulls to the walls. Platters of donated snacks and cupcakes were set out on tables in one corner,…
A Closer Look at North Carolinaās 2015-17 Budget
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at ASNC. The new state budget for budget years 2015-17, which began on July 1, 2015, sits at $21.7 billion. It includes several important policy initiatives for people with disabilities, but it also makes changes that could keep people with autism, intellectual…
Be Prepared: Carry an Autism Survival Kit
This article was contributed by Wanda Curley, an Autism Resource Specialist in the Triad and mom to a son with autism. We live in a busy, fast-paced world that can be full of change and surprises. For most of us, planning ahead and being prepared for those last-minute changes is helpful. For individuals with Autism…
WNC Run/Walk for Autism Celebrates 10 Years of Community Stepping Out to Improve Lives
The WNC Run/Walk for Autism celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and Katie Wills has been with it every step of the way. Katie moved to Asheville in 2000 with her husband, Lewis, and son, Jesse, who was then a teenager. Jesse was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 and is nonverbal. Since…
FAQs related to SB 676: Autism Health Insurance Coverage
Background: After six years of working to pass coverage of autism treatments under health insurance through both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly, the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) decided to take a new approach to the problem: ASNC came together with other North Carolina advocacy groups, professionals, clinicians, and insurers to work…