South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed April as World Autism Month in North Carolina to raise awareness and recognize individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their families, and organizations working to support them.

“People with autism spectrum disorder are a valued part of our communities, employers, and North Carolina as a whole,” said Governor Cooper. “All people deserve support and opportunities to succeed. We will continue to fight for fair treatment and inclusive environments for everyone in our state.”

According to a 2020 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, North Carolina has a higher percentage of 8-year-olds identified as having autism compared to the national average. The state also leads in providing comprehensive evaluations for children with ASD by age 3. However, there is still a significant gap in employment opportunities for autistic adults with average or above-average intellectual abilities.

Governor Cooper's proactive efforts to support individuals with ASD are evident through initiatives like Executive Order 92: Employment First for North Carolinians with Disabilities, which aims to create inclusive environments for them to thrive. The Career Advancement Resource for Employees on the Spectrum (NC CARES) and LiNC-IT program, launched in collaboration with the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), provide valuable support and job coaching for autistic individuals to excel in the workforce.

Since its inception in 2018, LiNC-IT has supported 115 autistic individuals in internships and employment, with 44 employer partners offering opportunities in various fields. The program also hosts the NC Autism & Higher Education Collaborative to help students on the autism spectrum succeed in college and gain work-based learning experience.

Looking ahead, LiNC-IT will launch a pilot youth apprenticeship program this summer, providing high school students with ASD from Durham, Johnston, and Orange Counties the opportunity to participate in Biotech Career Academies and gain valuable skills for future employment.

To learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder and get involved in supporting individuals with ASD, interested parties can visit the UNC TEACCH Autism Center, Autism Society of North Carolina, or the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development. Additionally, for more information on LiNC-IT and how to participate, individuals can visit the LiNC-IT website or email NCBCEadmin@nc.gov.