In the United States, everything shut down in March. Support services, places to go, things to do. Routines and expectations have been taken away from us all. Like most of us, I have been silenced by the change. This is an uncharted territory. We have been figuring out what to do with what little advice…
New Adventures in These Challenging Times
As a Direct Support Professional working with a young adult on the spectrum, I found myself looking for ways to offer fun and engaging structure during this season of unavoidable change. Particularly, I wanted to build a new routine that wouldnāt replace our previous busy schedule of community outings and routine volunteer commitments, but rather…
Addressing School Concerns During COVID-19
By now many of you have found your new normal as you navigate through this unusual and unprecedented time. Among the many life changes that have had to be made across the country, who would have thought that homeschooling would be one of them? All parents of school-age children (K-12) face the task of teaching…
From Awareness, to Acceptance, to Empowerment
Individuals with autism and those who love and support them have a long history of advocating for their community, an undertaking fueled by their fundamental belief that the potential for a person with autism is limitless. From these grassroots advocacy efforts has sprung meaningful, sustainable outcomes that benefit everyone with autism and those who love…
2020 Census: Time to Be Counted!
Note: We recognize that much of our collective attention is on COVID-19 issues. ASNC continues to advocate for people with autism and families across our government and monitor information across all related COVID-19 issues. ASNC is participating on various NC DHHS, emergency preparedness, health and disability services-focused workgroups, continually collecting information, providing feedback, and advocating…
Staying Structured and Engaged in this Challenging Time
Individuals on the autism spectrum may be feeling particularly unsettled during this time. People around them are behaving differently and may be showing anxiety. Routines, on which many are so reliant, may be changing. The adults in their families may be working from home or not at all, and their schools might be closing. Access…
COVID-19/Coronavirus Relief Bill: Contact Your Senators
People with disabilities may be at increased risk and more likely to be affected by coronavirus due to underlying health conditions. Any legislation intended to help must address their needs! This bill is moving very quickly and has already passed the US House. The US Senate plans to take the bill up to make changes…
Creating Success While Incorporating Interests and Strengths
A Look Back When my son Logan was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4, he was preverbal and was not able to pronounce most of his sounds. He could say āba,ā and a year later was able to say āma.ā It took years for him to master making all of the sounds necessary…