Kaitlin Moncol had a tough time finding a job that was a perfect fit. She wanted to work near her home in Raleigh, but most of all, she wanted to work in art, which was her passion. Kaitlin, who was diagnosed with autism before her second birthday, worked with an Employment Supports Professional from the…
Governor Declares NC an Employment First State
Gov. Roy Cooper declared North Carolina an Employment First state last week, signing an executive order to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. āNorth Carolina can be its best when all people have the opportunity to achieve their potential and live lives of purpose, including North Carolinians with disabilities,ā Gov. Cooper said. āWith this…
Public Policy: Advocacy in 2019 and Beyond
One of the most difficult aspects of advocacy is looking at all of the barriers that one might face and believing, despite all of it, that change is possible. The Autism Society of North Carolina has from the start been dedicated to using advocacy to improve the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and…
Preparing Your Loved One for Adult Success
I have been employed by the Autism Society of NC for more than 20 years, and I can honestly say that we have definitely hit a surge in calls regarding adults looking for meaningful employment as well as parents looking to get their adult children out in the community. Parents of adults typically call for…
Employing Adults with Autism: You Can Help
The need for employment opportunities for adults with autism is significant; studies have shown that a majority of them are unemployed or underemployed. For individuals on the spectrum, employment not only fosters financial stability and promotes greater independence but also increases self-esteem and provides opportunities to improve social skills, grow a network of friends and…
Employment Just One Part of His Full Life
Chris Schildās job at Walgreens is just one part of his very full life. Chris, who is 25 now, was diagnosed with autism when he was about 8 years old. He has worked three days a week at Walgreens for more than a year. āHe loves it there and they love him,ā said his mother,…
Transitioning to Competent Adulthood with Dr. Peter Gerhardt
Dr. Peter Gerhardt, who has worked in the autism field for 37 years, shared some of his expertise with parents and professionals last week at a one-day conference in Raleigh. His presentation was titled āTransitioning to Competent Adulthood for Individuals with Autism: Implications from Preschool to High School and Beyond.ā Dr. Gerhardt is the Executive…
Recognize Your ASNC Direct Support Professional
Do you have a direct support professional who regularly goes above and beyond? Have they had a significant impact on you, your loved one, your family, and the community? Recognize their excellence by nominating them for the John and Claudia Roman Direct Service Award! This award honors an Autism Society of North Carolina direct support…
TIPS Serves Adults with Autism
Serving others is obviously important to members of the Triangle Indian-American Physicians Society (TIPS); they are, after all, in health care. But serving outside of their chosen careers is also important to them. For years, members have volunteered their efforts and expertise at free clinics all around the Triangle and at a yearly free screening….