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…
Weekly Update: COVID-19 Policy Changes
Weekly Update: COVID-19 Policy Changes Affecting People with Autism, Families, and Caregivers ASNC will be issuing weekly updates, including calls to action, on policy changes and legislation related to COVID-19 and local, state, and federal emergency orders. For daily updates and information, we recommend the following sources: NC DHHS COVID-19 page CDC COVID-19 page (Raleigh)…
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…
Early Voting Open in NC
As a reminder, ASNC is sharing information about voting in North Carolina during this election year through blog articles, social media posts, and other channels. Much attention will be paid this year to state primaries, state legislative races, and the national presidential election. As a nonprofit organization, ASNC does not become directly involved in elections…
Promoting a Childās Independence Within Daily Routines
One of the greatest joys of teaching students with autism is watching them become more confident in their abilities and take pride in their accomplishments. As they learn salient skills for completing daily routines and develop a greater sense of responsibility, students naturally become more self-determined and desire greater autonomy. Given systematic training, coaching, and…
Compliments and Criticisms: Supporting an Adult with ASD
One day, not so many years ago, my son shared with his therapist that when he hears me call his name or sees my name on his caller ID on his phone, he immediately gets nervous. He wonders what he did wrong and how angry I will be. While that was hard to hear as…