Chapters

Chapters: Providing Support When It’s Needed Most

Autism Society of North Carolina Chapters and Support Groups have traditionally been built around a “front porch” philosophy, providing a welcoming place for individuals with autism and their families. That welcoming place has had a far different look these past few months as Chapters have experienced new challenges around the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since late March, most of ASNC’s in-person programs and events, including those hosted by Chapters, have been suspended per “stay at home” and social distancing recommendations by the state. Passionate about helping families through this very difficult period, many of our volunteer Chapter leaders have taken the initiative to learn and transition to “virtual” venues of support. Through a number of online platforms, Chapters have successfully offered meetings, educational presentations, and social activities such as virtual bingo and a talent sharing event. Individual Chapter support meetings, along with those offered regionally, have given families the opportunity to come together so they can share and address their concerns. Forty online Chapter meetings were scheduled in May and June.

Before in-person events ended, the Guilford County Chapter celebrated Valentine’s Day with a painting party.

The Person County Chapter hosted a fun rock-painting event for their families.

ASNC even launched a new Chapter in Duplin County during this time, testifying to the value of online support when inperson interactions are not possible. Lauren Buhrmaster, Regional Chapter Coordinator for the Duplin area, said, “Local Chapters look forward to the day they can once again meet and socialize face-to-face, but until then, they are committed to providing support in whatever way they can.” It has been truly heartwarming to see how Chapter members have gone the extra mile to reach out to each other during this time of uncertainty and hardship. In addition, they have given back to the autism community at large, donating close to $21,000 to help sustain the critical work that ASNC does for families across North Carolina. The Autism Society of North Carolina extends heartfelt thanks to all of its Chapter leaders and members for the important work they do to uphold ASNC’s mission.

New State Chapters Director

Amy Seeley was named State Chapters Director this spring. She had been with the Autism Society of North Carolina for seven years as Communications Associate after two decades of working for newspapers across the state. She shares this message to all families:

(Left) The Orange Chatham Chapter quickly joined the virtual bandwagon and continued their monthly coffee meetings online. They also offered some social activities including a Talent Sharing Event. Luke Lee, 13, shared his artwork.

(RIght) Noah Khuri, a member of Scout Troop 505 in Dobson, built a new portable stage for the Surry Chapter’s annual walk as an Eagle Scout project. He put in 182 hours of work designing and building the stage.

When my son was diagnosed with Asperger’s about 16 years ago at the age of 5, I began attending Durham County Chapter meetings. Meeting other families there gave me a chance to learn about autism and how to help him. And maybe even more importantly, getting to know older children who were succeeding gave me hope for his future. These are strange and challenging times for all of us, obviously. Now more than ever, all of us here at ASNC are working hard to figure out how we can best support you. If you are not already a member of a Chapter, I highly recommend joining. Many of them have been providing online meetings, featuring educational presentations or just time for families to share. They also all have Facebook groups to facilitate sharing ideas and resources. We invite you to find a Chapter near you on our website: www.autismsociety-nc.org/chapters. g