Raising an Autistic child brings its fair share of challenges with it. It’s normal for you to feel overwhelmed, but important to remember that you are not alone. That’s why we’ve created this free guide to Autism Resources for Parents in Kentucky. From support groups, to getting involved with local advisory groups, we aim for these autism resources to help you build a support community for you and your family.
This guide is specifically designed for parents living in Kentucky.
ABA, LLC is one of the largest suppliers of Behavior Support in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. Since 2007, we have worked closely with families to help navigate the unique experience of raising a child with autism. That experience culminates in this guide to Autism Resources for Parents. Our vision is to see families embrace their autistic child wholly, and engage with advocating for their continued health and safety.
Finding a Provider
One of your first goals as a parent might be finding a provider for your child’s care. No matter what kind of services you are currently searching for, these directories will help you navigate finding services that align with your location, insurance, and needs.
Kentucky Active License Directory
KY Department of Education Autism Guidance Document (2017)
Medicaid
For many in Kentucky, medical coverage is provided through Medicaid. Did you know there are special waiver programs designed to cover mental health services not covered by regular medicaid programs? These links will help you learn more about what services are available and how they might be applied.
Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services
Supports for Community Living Waiver Branch
Waivers for Children in Kentucky
Applying for the Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver
Applying for the Michelle P. Waiver
In Schools
In schools, you will
Admissions and Release Committee Guide to Free and Appropriate Education and Compensatory Education
Based in Louisville, the Kentucky IEP Advocate helps parents navigate educational planning for their Disabled children.
Early Intervention & Screening
If your child has not yet been screened for Autism, you may be looking for information on knowing the signs. Early Intervention is strongly advised to children on the spectrum, as it will empower them to build skills early. These resources will guide you through understanding the signs and seeking screening.
Screening is available through ABA, LLC! Contact us at 606.677.2636
CDC Free Materials on Childhood Autism
Autism Screening at Norton Children’s Hospital
Advocacy
When it comes to advocacy, we can connect you to dozens of organizations who each fulfill a unique niche within the Autism community. These organizations fight for not only acceptance and awareness for Autistic people within our culture, often they advocate for better practices within mental health care practices. Here are a few organizations who might be of particular benefit to you in Kentucky.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Know Your Rights: The Americans with Disabilities Act bans discrimination based on disability and requires employers, businesses and state and local governments to take reasonable steps to accommodate people with disabilities.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) empowers autistic adults to use their voices to advance the rights of all disabled people. Their motto is “Nothing about us, without us!”
Kenuckiana Autism Spectrum Alliance
The Kentucky chapter of ASAN.
Kentucky Protection & Advocacy
The Kentucky Protection and Advocacy works in the legal system to fight for the rights and protection of disabled individuals.
The Prichard Committe promotes improving education for ALL Kentuckians.
Alliance to Prevent Restraint, Aversive Interventions, and Seclusions
The Alliance to Prevent Restraint, Aversive Interventions, and Seclusion (APRAIS) is a coalition of organizations and advocates who dedicate their time and resources to ending restraint and seclusion abuse in U.S. schools and beyond.
Mind Freedom is a nonprofit organization engaged in advocacy, public education, mutual support, peaceful protests in support of their mission to facilitate mental and emotional wellness for all people. Their work centers psychiatric survivors, those who have experienced abuse in the mental health treatment system, and fights champion human rights and options in the future of mental health care.
Kentucky Government
Know what structures exist within our State Government that are dedicated to supporting and addressing the needs of the Autistic community.
Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilties
Support Groups
Remember, while each person’s path is unique, we have a lot to learn from each other when we share resources. Support groups are a great way to talk with parents who know exactly what you’re experiencing in a judgement free zone. You’ll be able to ask for advice, share your wins and frustrations, and build positive relationships.
The ARC of Central Kentucky
The ARC’s mission is “Promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.”
The Autism Society of Kentuckiana (ASK) is a non-profit organization that provides support, education, and resources for people with Autism and their families.
KY-SPIN: Kentucky Special Parent Involvement Network
KY-SPIN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting disabled Kentuckians and their families with resources that improve their lives.
The Council of Developmental Disabilities
The Council provides Louisville area families with support and resources.
A list of available support groups in the state of Kentucky, courtesy of the University of Kentucky, is copied below.
Big East Cooperative Region (Boyd, Elliott, Greenup, Carter and Lawrence Counties)
Parents United for Support and Help (PUSH)40
Barb Worden
Telephone: 606-324-3005
bworden@pahtways-ky.org
Jefferson County Exceptional Child Education Service Region
Autism Society of Kentuckiana (ASK)
Deanna Gadjen Telephone: 812-949-2922
Laurie Spezzano Telephone: 502-222-4706
Vonya Gresham vgresham@hospices.org
FEAT of Louisville, Inc.
Donna Beasley Telephone: 502-596-1258
DBeasley@homeoftheinnocents.org
Caveland Education Cooperative Region
Allen County Autism Support Group
Amanda Reagan Telephone: 270-618-3181
amanda.reagan@allen.kyschools.us
Autism Awareness and Research Foundation of Edmonson County
Meredith York Telephone: 270-246-0332
Angela Johnson Telephone: 270-246-1328
Autism Group of Cumberland County
Spri Wheatley
autismgroup.sw@gmail.com
Barren River Area (Barren, Hart, Monroe, Logan, Butler, Allen, Edmonson, Simpson, Warren Counties) 41 Hart of Autism (Hart County)
Stephanie Turner Telephone: 270-774-1180
etaa8416@yahoo.com
groups.yahoo.com/HartofAutism
Central Kentucky Cooperative Region
Autism Society of the Bluegrass (Central Kentucky)
Sara Spragens Telephone: 859-299-9000
saraspragens@gmail.com
Danville/Boyle County Autism Parent Support Group (Boyle, Mercer, Casey, Lincoln, Garrard Counties)
Julie DeCoteau
markdecoteau@bellsouth.net
Melissa Caudill Telephone: 859-236-8812
gmcbrc@bellsouth.net
Franklin County Autism and Related Disorder Support Group
Stacy Moore Telephone: 502-352-2425
Stacy.Moore@Franklin.kyschools.us
Parent and Professional Autism Support Group in Powell County
(Wolfe, Montgomery, Clark, Powell Counties)
Marilyn Barnett
happy-top@msn.com
Washington County Autism Support Group
Katie Essex Telephone: 859-336-0059
kentuckylady@bellsouth.net
Northern Kentucky Cooperative Region
Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati
Comforting Ties Autism Support Group (Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky)
Sandy Knollman Telephone: 513-703-6215
sandraknollman@yahoo.com
Autism Project of Southern Ohio
(Ohio and Northeastern Kentucky)
Wendy Potts Telephone: 740-357-2273
Mothers of Children with Special Needs of Northern Kentucky
Pam Blackburn
Pam.Blackburn@ky.gov
Campbell County Autism Parent Support Group
Lindsey Mattingly Telephone: 859-635-2118 ext. 110
Lindsey.Mattingly@campbell.kyschools.us
Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative Autism Support Group of Shelbyville
Renea Sageser Telephone: 502-633-1007
rena@kidtherapy.org
Wilderness Trail Cooperative Region
Eastern Kentucky University Autism and Related Disorders
100 Ross Drive, Richmond, KY 40475
Telephone: 859-623-6074
Rita Brockmeyer
Myra Beth Bundy
MyraBeth.Bundy@eku.edu
River Region Cooperative Region
Autism Support Network of Owensboro (ASNO)
Donna Lanham
djl423@yahoo.com
Trudi Laumas
laumas@att.net
Fort Knox Autism Support Group (Open to all military card holders)
Marla Harris
marla.harris@us.army.mil
Elizabethtown Autism Parent Support Group
Lori Hill 43 Telephone: 270-769-0058
Lori.Hill@peoplefirstrehab.com
Upper Cumberland Cooperative Region Autism Support 4 Lake Cumberland
Donna Littrell Telephone: 606-561-8282
awareness4autism@gmail.com
Parents of Autistic Children
(Southeast Kentucky)
Angie Parman Telephone: 606-682-3416
angie@p4ac.com
Joyce Steele Telephone: 606-682-2454
jsteele912@alltel.net
East Kentucky Autism Support Group
Katrina Justice Telephone: 606-432-9367
Becky Harrell Telephone: 606-437-0066
Western Kentucky Cooperative Region
Autism Support Group (Union County)
Chi Rho Health and Wellness Center in Morganfield 270-389-9696
Laura Ervin Telephone: 270-333-2305 (home) 270-997-0223 (cell)
lervin9@gmail.com
Christian County Special Needs Autism Parent Support (SNAPS)
Janet Godsey Telephone: 270-887-7004
janet.godsey@christian.kyschools.us
Fort Campbell Autism Support Group
Group is open to all; primary focus is military families
Kerry Graef Telephone: 270-798-2727
kerry.moline@us.army.mil
FEAT of Western Kentucky 44
www.featofwesternky.org
Tammi Halvorson
tammih7@comcast.net
Kentucky Valley Cooperative Region
Autism Support of Letcher County
Linda Collins Telephone: 606-855-9026
hootandl@bellsouth.net
Autism Support Group of Perry County
Russ or Kim Baker Telephone: 606-436-0761
Learning About Autism
Not only is there a lot to learn about Autism, there are a lot of misconceptions to dispel. Take some time to research Autism Spectrum Disorder using information from respected, vetted sources. Always remember: if you’ve met one person with autism, then you’ve met one person with autism. The way autism affects an individual is exactly that:individual. There is a large matrix of experiences and symptoms that we’ve come to classify as fitting under the Autism umbrella, but that does not apply to all autistic people. Knowledge is power. Knowing more about your child’s diagnosis will allow you to understand what they might be experiencing better, but remember that your child is still unique. Listen to them and learn from them.
Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules
Association for Real Science in Autism Treatment
University of Kentucky Human Development Institute
“HDI’s mission is to advance efforts that build inclusive communities, address disparities, and improve the lives of all people who experience disability across the lifespan. We achieve our mission through leadership and community partnerships across Kentucky and the Nation.”
Kentucky Autism Training Center at the University of Louisville
“The Kentucky Autism Training Center (KATC) strives to be Kentucky’s leading resource on autism. KATC trains and collaborates with stakeholders through the implementation of evidence based practices to build knowledge and confidence.”