Support in Western North Carolina is growing for those with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder as nonprofits, mental health organizations and neighborhood businesses strive to provide sensory-friendly environments. “Children can have sensory processing disorder or sensory integration issues all by themselves and not have autistic behaviors, but it does flip. If a child has […]
Local professionals agree that a well-maintained wellness routine is the first step in preventing the type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder, which commonly occurs during the winter when light is low and days are short.
When Lori Gerber moved to Asheville five years ago, she saw a need that was going unmet: Although there are services here for victims of domestic violence and rape, there’s very little for those who’ve been traumatized by other violent crimes or natural disasters. With 25 years’ experience helping others in those situations — such as helping emergency responders in New York City after 9/11 — she co-founded the Center for New Beginnings with husband Steve Gerber. On Sept. 6, the organization will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony and fundraiser at its new offices in downtown Asheville to call attention to the group’s work.
