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…
General Assembly Approves ABLE Accounts for NC Families
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at ASNC. On Monday, Aug. 3, The General Assembly approved legislation authorizing ABLE accounts in North Carolina; Gov. Pat McCrory is expected to sign the bill into law. The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, a federal law signed in December…
Interview with an Artist: Kaitlin Moncol
Kaitlin Moncol is a 22-year-old artist from Raleigh who was diagnosed with autism when she turned 2. As Kaitlin prepares for her first independent art show, we asked her and her mom to share some thoughts about her life, her art, and autism. Below we share their responses, edited for brevity. Kaitlinās art is hanging…
13 Tough Truths Only Parents of Kids With Autism Will Understand
Editor’s Note – The following article is re-posted with permission by Eric Williams, a Fayetteville dad, counselor,and therapist. Ā For more information about Mr. Williams click here.Ā This is what it’s like (and what it takes) to be the father of a child with autism. Buckle up! Autism is not a childhood diagnosis; it is a…
Household Chores Teach Independent-Living Skills
This article was contributed by Kathy Dolbee, Autism Resource Specialist for the Autism Society of North Carolina and autism mom. āCan my child do household chores?ā The simple answer is, āYes.ā Teaching your child to do household chores is an important part of teaching him independent living skills. However, there are a few important…
Our Future, Together
This article was contributed by Kristy White, the Chief Development Officer for the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). Kristy has been a leader in the field of inclusion, launching cutting-edge inclusion models and raising millions for inclusive programming across the country. She joined ASNC in March 2012 because of her passion for improving…
Dealing with Frigid Weather, Interrupted Routines
This article was contributed by Leica Anzaldo, Training Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina. We have certainly felt the arctic blast this past week, and while it created inconveniences for many of us, for some individuals on the autism spectrum, it wreaked havoc on their lives and those routines on whichĀ they are so…