Helping Hands for Autistic Individuals

The Beginnings of Autism

This is a story of how helping hands for autistic individuals are available today. The word itself, autism, derives from the Greek word “autos,” meaning “self.” It was used in the early 1900s to describe the condition in which a person isolates themselves from social interaction. In 1943, child psychiatrist Dr. Leo Kanner, would publish a paper that recognizes children who were highly intelligent but displayed a need for being alone. Dr. Kanner later names their condition “early infantile autism.”

Once upon a time, autism was considered to be “childhood schizophrenia” and generally accepted to be a psychological disorder caused by emotionally distant mothers. Children with autism were discouraged from attending school, and grew up in the seclusion of their family homes.

Sometimes, children with autism were inappropriately institutionalized. People did not believe that these special children could grow up to have productive employment and lead fulfilling lives.

How We View Autism Today

Today, we recognize this condition as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); a group of developmental disabilities that can render an individual challenged in the areas of social interaction, communication, and repetitive or restricted behaviors. ASD is a brain disorder which is normally identified within the first three years of an infant’s life. ASD also comes in varying degrees of severity, which means that no two people will ever be the same.

It is a lifelong disorder that affects those at all stages of their life, and can also be combined with other disabilities such as Sensory Processing Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome.

Those afflicted with this condition can seek help through autism therapy in the form of behavioral, occupational, physical, medical and dietary, language, and complementary therapy, such as those involving music or art.

Autism in North Carolina

Autism in North Carolina is prevalent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, in 2016, about one (1) in sixty-eight (68) eight (8)-year-old school children may be diagnosed with autism on a national level. 

In North Carolina, that number increases to about one (1) in fifty-eight (58). In North Carolina’s public schools, during the 2014-2015 school year, there were more than 16,000 students with autism enrolled in all 107 school districts; there are more than 65,000 individuals in North Carolina living with ASD.

Parents and individuals with ASD cannot get through these difficult moments in life alone. This is where support groups such as The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) come in.

The Autism Society of North Carolina

For more than 45 years, The Autism Society of North Carolina has made its sole mission to provide support and promote opportunities that enhance the lives of individuals within the autism spectrum and their families. Through continued support and education across North Carolina, ASNC continues to lead the way by holding your loved ones hand through their journey of attaining a better quality of life.

It was created by special parents who shared information, provided support to one another, and improved the lives of all children with autism in North Carolina. These parents were responsible for laying the groundwork for the services and support that families and individuals now enjoy.

Striving for Success

ASNC strives to provide skill-building services designed to increase the independent skills of someone with ASD. Whether at home or within the community, ASNC helps those prepare to interact in either location safely and confidently.

ASNC’s Employment Support department continues to help individuals with autism find and maintain employment, which is a key part of having a complete life. ASNC also offers camps, afterschool programs, social groups, respite, adult day programs, and supported living homes around North Carolina.

“For nearly 50 years the Autism Society of North Carolina has improved lives, supported families, and educated communities about the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We help tens of thousands of North Carolinians living with autism annually through a wide range of services. If you have questions about autism or need help, don’t hesitate to call 800-442-2762,” says David Laxton, Director of Communications of The Autism Society of North Carolina.

What is Available?

The 133-acre Camp Royall, outside of Pittsboro, is the nation’s oldest and largest camp for individuals with ASD. Camp Royall provides typical camp activities, in a structured environment to meet the needs of individuals with autism. Activities include Swimming, Arts and Crafts, Hiking, Hayrides and Boating.

ASNC also provides an unlimited amount of support to professionals such as doctors and teachers. By working with professionals, ASNC can increase the quality of care for those afflicted with ASD. ASNC’s licensed psychologists and certified behavioral analysts emphasize evidence-based best practices, early intervention and learning through an individual’s life as part of their specialized training.

The Goals of the ASNC

The goal, as ASNC underlines, is to increase the understanding and acceptance of individuals with ASD. The organization’s educational efforts have helped the State of North Carolina to have a lower average age of diagnosis than the nation as a whole.

Through education, comes support in the way of families. ASNC’s locally based Autism Resource Specialists will help find resources for families, assist with school issues, and provide further education to families through workshops.

There are more than 50 local chapters throughout North Carolina to provide this extended support and education to individuals and their families affected by autism. 

ASNC, in addition to their many community service activities, advocates for the needs of the autism community by forming and upholding valued relationships at the State Legislature and other policy-making bodies. 

The Annual Triangle Run/Walk for Autism

Recently, ASNC celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the annual Triangle Run/Walk for Autism. “This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism. From the first year and around 300 runners, the event has grown to 4,000+ participants stepping out to raise money and support the autism community. At the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism, families come together to celebrate and share information and the community learns more about autism while enjoying a fun-filled event. Whether you run, walk, donate, or volunteer, the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism has something for everyone,” reiterated Laxton.

For the 20th anniversary, the ASNC is encouraging past teams and participants to return back to the Run/Walk. They are also offering cash prizes of $250 to the overall winners (men’s and women’s) of the 5K race.

During these twenty years, the ASNC has raised over $2 million to support individuals with autism and their families through the event. They are also compiling video memories from past chairs of the event and team captains.

The ASNC will be offering an information exchange area at the event where people can learn more about the organization and others who serve the autism community. There will also be a kids play area as well, live music, and plenty of open space for people to enjoy themselves and celebrate the day.

Highlights of the Event

The event will include the following:

• 5K race (our competitive racers).
  • This is chip timed and certified.
  • It is also one of the events in the Second Empire Grand Prix series.
• 5K non-competitive event
  • This is for racers who want to do the full course, but not be timed.
• 1 Mile fun run
  • This is not officially timed and provides a good option for many of our teams who are walking and/or pushing strollers, pulling wagons, etc.
• Kid’s Dash
  • This is within Halifax Mall and provides kids under six (6) the opportunity to all be winners.

For Further Information

For more information about the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism, you can visit www.trianglerunwalkforautism.com.

The Triangle Run/Walk for Autism takes place on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 9:00 a.m., at Halifax Mall, 300 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27603.

The Online Registration Deadline is Monday, October 8, at 8:00 a.m. After this date, registration will be $30.00 for the 5K Competitive, 5K Noncompetitive, and 1-Mile.

Additional information about the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism is located at www.trianglerunwalkforautism.com.

ASNC works diligently to directly improve the lives of individuals affected by autism, by providing advocacy, education, and services. For additional information on how the Autism Society of North Carolina can help the community, you can call 1-800-442-2762, 919-743-0204, or visit www.autismsociety-nc.org.