This article was contributed by Wanda Curley, an Autism Resource Specialist and mom to a son with autism. āWhen we love and respect people, revealing to them their value, they can begin to come out from behind the walls that protect them.ā ā Jean Vanier, āFinding Peaceā This past year, our son with…
Free Workshop: “Autism: How Faith Communities Can Help”
Practicing oneās faith is important to many families of children and adults with autism and other disabilities. Families often turn to their faith communities for understanding, acceptance, and support as they work to meet the needs of the person with autism and understand his or her strengths and gifts. Yet often they struggle to find…
ASNC Offers Free JobTIPS Classes
October is recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month by the U.S. Department of Labor. The national campaign aims to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of Americaās workers with disabilities. The Autism Society of North Carolina has made it a priority to help individuals with autism to secure and maintain…
Voting: What You Need to Know for the 2014 Elections
Election Day falls on Tuesday, November 4, and early voting sites will open Thursday, October 23. North Carolina voters will elect candidates for a variety of offices, including the General Assembly, Congress, state judgeships, and others. Below are a few things you should be aware of since new voting laws were passed in 2013. You…
Donāt Underestimate Me!
This article was contributed by Leica Anzaldo, Training Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina. āGood morning everyone, Iām Danny. I want to tell all of you thank you for helping me and talking to me even when you knew I could not find the words to talk back. Having autism is very hard…
Recognize Your Direct Support Professional
This article was contributed by Kerri Erb, Senior Director of Quality and Programs. Direct support professional (DSP), community skills instructor (CSI), habilitation technician (hab tech), CAP worker ā whatever their names, these individuals should be recognized. Every day, they work one-to-one with individuals with autism, teaching skill acquisition and supporting them in reaching their goals….
State Wants to Hear from You on IDD Services
The NC Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public input as it works to create a better way to provide services for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The Division of Mental Health Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services and the Division of Medical Assistance will be holding listening sessions across the state….
Surviving School in a Nutshell
This article was contributed by Kim Tizzard, Autism Resource Specialist and mom to a son with autism. The beginning of a new school year has somehow snuck up on us. For many, the uncertainty of how our childās needs will be met can be a source of angst. Like a video loop, the same thoughts…
Adventures in High-Functioning Autism Behind the Wheel
This article was contributed by Nancy Nestor, ASNC Autism Resource Specialist. How do you know what your child is capable of? For the past 13 years, since my son was diagnosed with high-functioning autism, my husband and I have asked ourselves that question repeatedly. My son has always been a kid who has taken an…