Happy New Year to everyone! Whew! I love the holidays. It’s a time to look back at the past year and gratefully reflect on all the blessings in our lives. When the flurry of activities is over, it’s a wonderful time to slow down and reconnect with friends and family. As the last of the…
Holidays on the Spectrum: It Gets Better
This article was contributed by Judy Smithmyer, an ASNC Autism Resource Specialist in the Greensboro region and mom to a daughter with autism. The holiday season can be stressful for most people, but for families who have a loved one on the spectrum, it can be most difficult. This Thanksgiving was an example of one…
ASNC’s Maureen Morrell Honored by NC Council on Developmental Disabilities
Maureen Morrell, State Chapter Director for the Autism Society of North Carolina, was awarded the Helen C. “Holly” Riddle Distinguished Service Award by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities on Nov. 19 in Cary. Morrell has advocated for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families for more than 30 years. She has…
ASNC Advocating for You on Services Issues
This article was contributed by Jennifer Mahan, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, and Kerri Erb, Chief Program Officer. Federal Guidance on Autism Services under Medicaid “Will Medicaid cover autism services including Applied Behavioral Analysis?” Many families have asked this question since the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidance earlier this…
Fair Doesn’t Have to Mean Equal
This article was contributed by Bobbi Wells, an Autism Resource Specialist and mom to a son with autism. In a world where it seems to be politically correct to treat everyone the same and give everyone the same privileges, we often miss the opportunity to teach our kids (typical and not typical) a very important…
Free Workshop: “Autism: How Faith Communities Can Help”
Practicing one’s faith is important to many families of children and adults with autism and other disabilities. Families often turn to their faith communities for understanding, acceptance, and support as they work to meet the needs of the person with autism and understand his or her strengths and gifts. Yet often they struggle to find…
ASNC Offers Free JobTIPS Classes
October is recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month by the U.S. Department of Labor. The national campaign aims to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. The Autism Society of North Carolina has made it a priority to help individuals with autism to secure and maintain…
Don’t Underestimate Me!
This article was contributed by Leica Anzaldo, Training Manager for the Autism Society of North Carolina. “Good morning everyone, I’m Danny. I want to tell all of you thank you for helping me and talking to me even when you knew I could not find the words to talk back. Having autism is very hard…