This April, for Autism Awareness Month, the Autism Society of North Carolina is focusing on acceptance and inclusion, not just awareness. We want people to know about autismās challenges, so they can be more accommodating. But we also want them to know how their lives can be better when they include people with autism….
Taking Autism to the Doctor
This article was contributed by Judy Smithmyer, an ASNC Autism Resource Specialist in the Greensboro region and mom to a daughter with autism. Attending medical appointments with our children can be difficult, but when our child has autism, we can face a whole new set of challenges. Preparation is the key to making a…
LifeLong Interventions: One Year of Changing Lives
This article was contributed by Whitney Luffman, MA LPA, BCBA, Lead Clinical LPA for the Triangle region. When we first met, I was unsure of Johnās* language abilities, because he remained mostly silent. But I could see him watching others speak and could tell that he was receptively listening and taking in everything around him….
Learn About Innovations Waiver Changes, Share Opinions on IDD Issues
UPDATE:Ā The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has notified us that the changes to the Innovations waiver are now proposed to go into effect November 1 to allow for additional training and preparation, and to provide additional time for approval of the changes by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The…
The Invisible Disability: Another Facet of Autism
This article was contributed by Bobbi Wells, Autism Resource Specialist in the Eastern region and mom to a son with autism. Havenāt you heard the old saying, āNever judge a book by its cover?ā Well, I am here to add to its meaning from an autism perspective. As a parent with a son who…
Tips for a joyful, peaceful holiday season
In the movies, this time of year is full of joy. Smiling families gather around tables filled with delicious dishes that everyone loves, merry music is always playing, and gifts are met with exclamations of ājust what I wanted!ā In real life, the holiday season can be challenging and stressful for any of us, but…
A Challenge for Change That Begins With YOU!
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…
Magic of Sesame Street Lets Us #SeeAmazing
This article was contributed by Amy Perry, an ASNC Autism Resource Specialist and mom to a daughter with autism. Iām going to get personal. When I heard Sesame Street was launching an autism initiative, I was very happy, and in some ways, I felt it was long overdue. I grew up watching Sesame Street and…