Autism Society of North Carolina

Life with Confidence

By Katrina McDowell on Sep 24, 2024 in Giving

According to the CDC, as many as one in 36 American children will be diagnosed with autism. Yet, when given the opportunity, these individuals possess unique talents and abilities that can enrich their families, communities, and society.

Yardi-supported nonprofit Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) respects and values the uniqueness of all individuals with autism. Established in 1970 in Raleigh, NC, ASNC is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism, supporting their families, and educating the communities. ASNC serves people of all ages and ability levels across North Carolina with autism. These individuals experience moments of joy and victory daily through the Autism Society of North Carolina’s programs and services, offering hope and optimism for a brighter future.

“ASNC staff and the families we collaborate with know our loved ones with autism are reliable, focused, passionate, hardworking, creative, and kind. Our community respects and values the uniqueness of all individuals with autism,” said Kristy White, chief development officer for ASNC.

Individuals with autism often have difficulty understanding verbal and nonverbal communication and learning appropriate ways of relating to their surroundings. Symptoms vary in onset, severity, and exact nature. Autism presents unique challenges for every individual.

“Together, we impact, in a meaningful way, the lives of more than 50,000 individuals who receive direct support from the Autism Society of North Carolina. We also teach an additional 365,000 how to support individuals with autism through our outreach efforts,” explained White.

By working with these individuals, ASNC’s strategic plan for the next two years includes improving their lives and empowering them to live healthy, safe and fulfilling lives in their communities, supporting families to navigate their loved one’s diagnosis and treatment options, and educating the communities to understand and appreciate people with autism.

Camp Royall

Yardi funding has helped support Autism Resource Specialists (ARSs) and send autistic campers to Camp Royall. Outside of Pittsboro, Camp Royall is the nation’s oldest and largest camp serving individuals with autism. Due to the medical and behavioral complexities of autism, many of its campers find their only opportunity for a classic camp experience is at Camp Royall. Due to Camp Royall being pricey, ASNC works year-round to provide complete and partial scholarships for most families based on their financial needs.

Autism Resource Specialists are a free phone call away for families the moment they learn their child has autism. ARSs work with families individually and through workshops and webinars. An ARS is typically the first person a parent talks with after their child has been diagnosed. Each ARS is also the parent of a child with autism, and their firsthand knowledge provides a unique understanding to families.

“We want to thank you for your support. A good life is made up of special moments of accomplishment, connections, and happiness, and your support makes those moments possible. For over 50 years, we’ve been helping people build their best lives because donors like you share your love,” said White.

Adrian’s Life with Confidence

Camp Royall helped Adrian build his confidence and improve his ability to connect and communicate with others. Adrian loves math and numbers. He was bullied for his love of numbers in the past, but at Camp Royall, Adrian’s passion was embraced and accepted. He made friends at Camp Royall and improved his ability to connect and communicate with others. He says that Camp Royall helps him at school because he learned how to ask for help from his teachers.

As a result of his Camp Royall experience, Adrian is building the confidence needed to become who he is meant to be. He’s a fantastic brother who loves to show his siblings around Camp Royall. One day, he hopes to be an engineer. Adrian would not be able to attend Camp Royall without financial aid.

“Your gifts make it possible for more campers and families to become who they were meant to be at Camp Royall,” expressed White.

Watch and enjoy Adrian’s joyful video here.

Volunteer Opportunities

Each year, the Autism Society of North Carolina hosts a run/walk for autism. The race, a fun and family-friendly event, will take place at Halifax Mall on October 12. Yardi employees can volunteer at the race or create a fundraising team to participate.

Camp Royall also welcomes volunteers. Camp volunteer workdays are dedicated to facility maintenance projects, including gardening, cleaning, trail clearing, weed removal, and power washing. Those interested, please reach out to Heather Hargrave at [email protected].

“We encourage individuals with autism and their families to call us as soon as they receive a diagnosis and throughout their lifetimes. ASNC is a partner for a lifetime and can help with understanding autism, success in school, employment readiness, and more,” said White.

To speak to a specialist, fill out this form.

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