Author: Twin County Autism Moderator

Join us for our January Family Support Meeting—an evening focused on encouragement, connection, and practical insight from families who have been in the trenches and learned how to advocate in ways that truly make a difference.

Meeting Details

Date: Friday, January 23, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Englewood United Methodist Church, Rocky Mount, NC

What to Expect

🍕 Pizza Dinner (as usual)

We’ll share pizza together and spend time connecting with other parents and caregivers.

👧🧒 Social Interaction Groups for Children & Youth

We will have social interaction groups for various age levels, giving children a chance to connect while parents participate in the meeting.

✨ Featured Program: Real Advocacy Stories

Two of our own families will share powerful, unbelievable stories that will inform you and guide you—real situations that may surprise you and show what’s possible when families advocate for their children.

You must hear it to believe it.

RSVP Required (Very Important)

To help us plan for meals and the children’s social groups, please call or text Barbara Batts at (252) 450-5000 to reserve your spot and let us know how many will attend.

We hope to see you there for a meaningful night of support and community. 💙

The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) is officially accepting applications for the 2026 Camp Royall Summer Camp! 🎉

Located on 133 beautiful acres in Moncure, NC, Camp Royall is the nation’s oldest and largest camp for individuals with autism. Since 1997, it has offered a supportive, loving, and fun environment where campers can build skills, gain confidence, and make lifelong friends. 💙🏕️

🌞 About Summer Camp

Camp Royall hosts nine week-long camps—both residential and day camp—for individuals with autism ages 4 through adulthood. Activities include:

• Swimming
• Arts & crafts
• Hiking
• Hayrides
• Boating
• And so much more!

With a trained and dedicated staff plus a 1:1 or 1:2 counselor-to-camper ratio, every camper receives personalized support to thrive.

💡 Scholarships are available, so participants of all income levels can enjoy this incredible experience.

📝 How to Apply

Applications for both summer camp and scholarship funds are handled through Camp Brain.

👉 When you visit the Camp Brain page, simply log in or create an account, then select your preferred week of camp. Scholarship applications are also completed through Camp Brain.

🔗 CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

📚 More Information

Learn more about Camp Royall’s summer program and application process by visiting the Summer Camp at Camp Royall webpage.

If you’ve attended before, you can access your existing Camp Brain account using their special return-camper link.

📩 Questions? Need help?

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 919-542-1033

✨ Want a closer look at camp life? Check out the 2025 Camp Chronicle and watch the inspiring video about how camp has been a “life-changing experience” for Ethan.

Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may be interested in attending Camp Royall this summer!

See you at camp! 🌲💙🏕️

🎉 3rd Annual A Day at The Mills! 🎉

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025

🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

📍 Rocky Mount Mills – 1151 Falls Rd, Rocky Mount, NC

3rd Annual A Day at The Mills — a joyful morning celebrating Exceptional Children and their families! 💙

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🧩 What to Expect:

• Sensory-friendly activities for the whole family
• Books & Beyond 📚
• Arts & Crafts Zone 🎨
• Construction & Touch-A-Truck Areas 🚜🚒
• Outdoor Games & Scavenger Hunt
• Costume Parade led by Wool E. Bull, Sparky the Fire Dog, and more! 👻🎭

🎭 Costume Parade starts at 11:00 AM at The Power House — wear your favorite costume, bring one, or create a mask at the Hope Program table!

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🎈 Check-In Details:

Start your morning at the Sparkling Creation Balloon Arch where you can register and grab your Centene Event Bag filled with goodies and everything you’ll need to enjoy the day!

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💬 Haven’t Registered Yet?

You can pre-register online or sign up when you arrive.

🔗 Click here to Pre-Register

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Whether you’re coming for the games, resources, or quality time with your loved ones, there’s something for everyone at this free, family-friendly celebration!

#ADayAtTheMills #ExceptionalChildren #FamilyFun #CommunityEvent #RockyMountMills #SensoryFriendly

Apologies, but due to low attendance, the meeting has been canceled. Next meeting will be on November 21st.

📢 Reminder: Upcoming Meeting – Friday, October 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM

📍 Englewood United Methodist Church

Join us for a wonderful evening filled with food, learning, and connection! We’ll start with pizza and dessert, followed by our children and youth Social Interaction groups, led by facilitator Shannon Barger.

🎤 We’ll also enjoy special presentations from our talented members, Erik and Allen, and open the floor for group sharing and questions.

✨ Door prizes will be ready—and if all goes well, our next meeting will be BINGO night! 🎉

📲 Please RSVP by Thursday, October 23 by texting (252) 450-5000 with the number of family members or friends you’ll be bringing.

Let’s make it a night to remember—and bring a friend! 💙

#TwinCountyAutism #CommunitySupport #FamilyMeeting #SocialInteraction #PizzaNight #BingoNext

🍕🎉 Join Us Friday, September 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM! 🎉🍕

We’re looking forward to gathering together for another great evening of community and fun! Dinner will be provided — Pizza Inn and nuggets are on the menu! 😋🍗🍕

After we eat, we’re inviting our amazing kids to share their talents or interests with the group! Whether it’s art, music, a collection, or a special skill — kids can take about 5 minutes to present something they love. 💫

🧠 We’ll also hear from Shannon Barger, who will be sharing helpful information about our upcoming Social Interaction Group.

📲 Please text or call (252) 450-5000 to let us know how many will be attending — it helps us plan food and seating for everyone!

We can’t wait to see you there! 💙

#TwinCountyAutism #SeptemberMeeting #FamilySupport #PizzaAndPresentation #CommunityConnection

📅 Date: Friday, August 22nd, 2025

🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

📍 Location: Englewood United Methodist Church, Rocky Mount

🍽️ Food and Fun for Everyone!

RSVP with the number of people attending.

📲 Call or text Barbara at 252-450-5000 to RSVP

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On Tuesday evening, February 25, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its budget resolution, which includes cutting $880,000 billion from Medicaid over the next ten years. The resolution now goes to the U.S. Senate for a vote.

The Medicaid cuts included in the House budget resolution will directly and negatively impact people with autism in North Carolina and across the country. Medicaid provides vital healthcare and community-based supports and services. It is often the only funding source for long-term support services that make it possible for individuals with autism to live and work in their community rather than in more costly institutions.  

What does this mean for North Carolina?

In North Carolina, 65% of funding for Medicaid services comes from the federal government. Caps, or reductions, in Medicaid funding from the federal government will mean cuts to services to people with autism and other intellectual or developmental disabilities in our state.

Medicaid services in North Carolina

In North Carolina, Medicaid pays for:

• Home- and community-based services through waivers like the Innovations Waiver and other community services like 1915i. 
• Services provided in intermediate care facilities, group homes, and other residential settings. 
• Health care (routine and emergency care), rehabilitation services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, dental care, eye care, and medications.  
• Clinical treatment such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and outpatient/in-patient therapy.  
• In-school service for some Medicaid-eligible students. 

Act now!

The time is now! As the U.S. House resolution moves to the U.S. Senate for a vote, you can play a vital role in protecting Medicaid. Contact your U.S. Senators (Senator Thom Tillis, 202-224-6342, and Senator Ted Budd, 202-224-3154) and tell them: 

• I am a constituent from [your NC city, zip code] and I oppose Medicaid cuts and caps. 
• I am a person with autism/a family member/a professional in the autism field.  
• Medicaid is a lifeline for people on the autism spectrum. My family depends on Medicaid for services/supports. (Share a brief personal story.) 
• Do not cut or cap Medicaid funding. North Carolina already has a 10+ year waiting list for waiver services. Cuts to Medicaid will harm people who rely on Medicaid and make it harder for North Carolina to provide care. 

Visit our Medicaid Advocacy webpage for more information.

Your voice matters! Thank you for advocating for North Carolinians with autism. 

The Autism Society of North Carolina 

📢 Update: Our May 9th event has been canceled due to low expected attendance. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and hope to see you at a future gathering. Stay tuned for updates on our next meeting.

Due to the holidays, we will not have a meeting in April — but don’t worry, the fun is just around the corner!

🎉 Our next meeting will be held on Friday, May 9th, and you won’t want to miss it! After we eat, we’re kicking off an awesome Family Fun Time with bubbles and foam fun! 🫧

🧼 Be ready to dive into the bubbles — and don’t forget to bring extra clothes! 👕👖

📲 If you or someone you know would like to attend, please text or call Barbara at (252) 450-5000 to let us know you’re coming!

#TwinCountyAutism #FamilyFun #BubblesAndFoam #AutismSupport #CommunityTogether

We are excited to share some sweet news! Freddie’s has chosen us to receive a special ice cream bar, making our March meeting extra special! This is a treat you won’t want to miss. Also, the Down East Partnership for Children (DEPC), will provide parents with effective tips and strategies to help children manage emotions, solve problems, and develop positive social skills. For more details, see the previous post.

March 28th Meeting Details

📅 Date: Friday, March 28th, 2025

🕕 Time: 6:00 PM

📍 Location: Englewood United Methodist Church, Rocky Mount

🍽️ Light dinner will be provided!

🍦 Enjoy a special ice cream bar from Freddie’s!

👶 Childcare services available upon request!

RSVP by March 26th!

📲 Call or text Barbara at 252-450-5000 to RSVP.

Please note: 🚨 There will be no April meeting, but we will be back in May with more great events!

We can’t wait to see you there! 😊💙