Unfortunately, loss is a part of life. Great things come with meaningful relationships and routines, but it is impossible to ignore that death, divorce, and other losses are possible and at times, inevitable. Grief is most associated with death, but really, any loss can cause grief. Loss of a favorite toy or routine as well…
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…
Taking Care of Yourself Benefits Your Loved One with Autism
Taking care of yourself is vitally important. Anyone who has been a parent, let alone parent to a child with a disability such as autism, will tell you that parenting can be tough. In my book, it’s definitely one of those conundrums where it is the toughest yet most rewarding thing you can do in…
Action Alert: Ask Senators to Support CARES Act
Editor’s Update: Thank you for your advocacy supporting the Autism CARES Act. Our NC Senators, Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, have both signed on to the reauthorization bill, and we are hopeful that the CARES Act will be reauthorized before Sept. 30. The Autism CARES Act will sunset (expire) on September 30 if it is…
Giving Back for Camp Royall
Each summer at Camp Royall, Tommy Guthrie Johnson is all grins and giggles as he enjoys swimming, hiking, digging in the garden, and singing camp songs, silly motions and all. Tommy, who is 14, is “complex,” said his mother, Megan Johnson. “He’s so challenging but so funny and smart and cuddly and loveable.” Megan adopted…
When Should Parents Disclose Their Child’s Diagnosis?
Once your child has a diagnosis of autism, one of your first questions may be, “So who do I tell?” The best rule of thumb: If your child will require a level of accommodation, modification, support, service, or just patience and understanding in a certain situation, then telling someone about the diagnosis can help make…
Prepare Now for Your Best Summer
The weather might be frightful, but summer is just around the corner. And what is even more frightful for a parent is turning the calendar page to June and realizing you are not prepared. Many summer programs and camps (including ASNC’s own Camp Royall) are accepting registrations now, and many options for individuals with special…