Autism Society of North Carolina: A Timeline

A Timeline

The Early Years This magazine

hopes to share with you a brief history of the ASNC. It utilizes over thirty years’ worth of newsletters, photographs, and annual reports.

1968 Beliefs in the Beginning: •Autism known as “childhood schizophrenia.”

•Autism was caused by parents being “emotionally distant” from their children; the cure was to send the parents to therapy.

•Autistic children should not go to school.

•Children with autism would not grow up to lead productive lifestyles or have employment or contribute to society.

•Parents with autistic children met to come up with other options for their kids.

•Wanted to provide support for families and share information and ideas for dealing with autism.

The North Carolina Society for Autistic Children was formed in December 1969.

Ten couples with autistic children involved with Drs. Schopler and Reichler’s Child Research Project at UNC-Chapel Hill decide to form a formal group.

1969

1970-72

The first newsletter, titled Greentree, was published.

In February 1970, the group was formally incorporated. During 1971-72, the group lobbied for state funding for Division TEACCH (the new name for the Child Research Project.) In 1972, Mary Lou Warren had an idea to create a formal summer camp. The first camp lasted 1 week and served 10 campers.

1973

1980’s During the 1980’s, ASNC focused on the needs of autistic individuals after school, as well as residential needs.

Supported Employment began with 1 hired Job Coach.

1985

1986

The Supported Employment Program officailly begins.

The United Way began funding ASNC and the Autism Foundation of North Carolina was started to provide fundraising opportunities for ASNC. The first Executive Director and Employment Specialist were hired.

ASNC was also able to secure HUD funding for 20 group homes.

1989 1986

The second group home is opened.

Two more group homes are organized and ASNC celebrates its 20th Anniversary.

Betty Camp and her son produce a :30 second PSA on autism.

January 1990

July 1990

The Carolina Living and Learning Center prepares to open and Temple Grandin speaks in Raleigh.

The third group home is opened.

August 1990

January 1991 5th Anniversary of the Mother’s Group.

The first Development Director is hired.

April 1991

January 1992

The News & Observer agrees to donate the printing of the newsletter.

Permanent campsite land is purchased (133 acres near Pittsboro.)

May 1992

July 1992

Inaugural year of the AFNC Golf Tournament.

ASNC joins the Association for Retarded Citizens of North Carolina and the North Carolina Alliance for the Mentally Ill as a full sponsor of the Life Plan Trust.

1992

January 1995

Ground is broken on Camp Royall.

15 group homes have been created since 1989 (ASNC Residentioal Services Program). In addition, ASNC partnered with The Body Shop to employ 3 adults on the spectrum.

March 1995

1995 ASNC creates a goal of having 25 local units by the 25th Anniversary. Division TEACCH creates a website and a listserv.

ASNC hosts the Autism Society of America annual conference and has about 25 paid employees.

The North Carolina Israel Autism Program is started. By the end of 19956, 100 people with autism are employed in the community through ASNC programs.

November 1995

Winter 1996 The name of the newsletter changes to “The Spectrum.”

Artists with Autism Exhibit is planned.

Summer 1996

Fall 1996 ASNC moves to current location on Oberlin Road.

Camp Royall officially opens.

May 1997

1990’s During the 1990’s, ASNC focused on the Model Residential Program, CAP, and Medicare services.

The WakeMed Ribbon Run for Autism raised over $35,000 for ASNC.

2001

Spring 2002 Blueprints for Change/the Mental Health Reform bill are passed in part thanks to ASNC advocacy.

“Making a Difference� column in The Spectrum begins, highlighting members and community leaders.

Fall 2002

Spring 2003

Old ASNC logo changes to the image of the Autism Ribbon pin.

6th Annual Ribbon Run.

Fall 2004

2010 ASNC had grown to 45 active Chapters, 3 Affiliates, and 7 Support Groups.

It also celebrated its 40th Anniversary and supporteed 9 group homes.

“For over 40 years,

the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) has worked to address areas of need and expand services for the autism community in North Carolina. ASNC is a local organization,supporting North Carolinians affected by autism. Every dollar that we raise stays within North Carolina, helping people who live and work in our local communities.

Our organization works to directly improve the lives of individuals and families affected by autism. We are service driven, focusing on advocacy, education, and providing direct services.

Highlights of the Autism Society of North Carolina include: * Advocacy * Training and Education * Services� www.autismsociety-nc.org