I have resigned from my position at the Autism Society of NC. Honestly, I really loved my job there, even though it was stressful and frustrating at times. I really appreciated getting to work closely with families, and see so many different way of raising a child with autism. There really is no one way to do it, just like there is no one way to raise any other kid.

Anyway, I have no regrets about resigning from a job I loved because I get to do THIS instead! I am going to run activity groups and parent seminars for the new Autism Community Center of Asheville!

I’ve been complaining for years that there are no recreation/leisure activities for people on the spectrum to participate in. I mean, people on the spectrum who can access the same activities as neurotypicals are doing that, of course, but some people do not enjoy those activities, or need more structure and explanation than many of those groups offer. I decided that I should just stop complaining, and use my summer camp director experience to create some great activity groups that are high-interest, low-anxiety and focus on having fun. Enter the new Autism Community Center, which will be located at Westwood Baptist Church in west Asheville.

We are going to begin by running activity groups (read more about them) and a monthly Parent’s Night Out. Eventually, the Autism Community Center will have an afterschool program, counseling services, academic tutors, and parent workshops. Check out the website, and tell us what you think!