Biennial Report of the Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism Released

This report represents a summary of the work of the Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism including the dedicated work of three lifespan subcommittees, Innovative Supports for Autistic Workers Project and Partnership Highlights. As the KYACA promotes collaborative efforts and advocates to improve system of supports for autistics, it has been paramount that the voice of autistics leads the way toward meaningful change. The Council moved forward with recommending five self-advocates be appointed to the Council to enrich and ground the Council’s work in an autistic perspective. A special thanks to Governor Beshear for making these appointments. Establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with Council agencies has proven productive in moving the KYACA toward the vision that autistics of all ages are engaged in self-determined lives and valued citizens in the community. Please see the APPENDIX section for additional information and data from KYACA Council Partnerships.

New Autism Diagnosis Resource Sheet

The Early Childhood Subcommittee of the Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism (KYACA) is excited to share with you a new resource sheet for those with a family member newly diagnosed with autism. The resource sheet reflects collaboration between autistic adults, parents of autistic children, healthcare providers, university faculty, and school staff. As a result, and unlike other available guidance documents you may use, this resource sheet includes some national resources, but the committee tried to focus on Kentucky specific information and highlight those developed in collaboration with autistic adults. The final draft of content includes key actions for users to take (i. e., Learn More About Autism, Connect with Other Family Members, Get to Know Autistic Self-Advocates, Establish School Plans, Seek Desired Supports And Services, Explore The Larger Disability Community, Support Participation, Additional Resources), why these actions are important and links to specific resources. We are attaching a PDF version of the resource sheet for you to copy and distribute. The resource sheet is also available on the KYACA website and can be accessed here:

The committee also developed a survey to gather information on how this resource sheet was disseminated and used. The link to the survey is on the bottom of the resource sheet. We welcome any input you have via the survey.

Thank you for all you do!

KYACA Meeting Schedule for 2022

Future KYACA 2022 Meetings:

  • May 12, 2022 from 1-3pm
  • August 11, 2022 from 1-3pm
  • November 10, 2022 from 1-3pm

Future KYACA 2022 Subcommittee Meeting Schedule:   

Early Childhood Subcommittee – Scott Tomchek       scott.tomchek@louisville.edu

  • Works with families and self-advocates to identify strengths and challenges in Kentucky’s system of care to provide system level coordination and support of children (ages 0-5/8) with autism and their families           
  • April 25, July 25, October 24, 2022 from 12:00-1:00pm

School Age Children Subcommittee – Dr. Larry Taylor   rlarry.taylor@louisville.edu

  • Work involves the consideration of issues related to the lives of autistic students (ages 5 through 21) and their families. The focus of this work has included the provision of high quality services and programming to facilitate the best potential outcomes for individuals with autism (autistics).  
  • April 29, 2022 from 10:00-11:30am

Adolescent & Adult Subcommittee – Bev Harp   Beverly.Harp@uky.edu

  • Work has focused on improving services for autistics (18/21+) and their families and understanding individuals’ needs as they relate to transition from school into adult life and the strengths and challenges in Kentucky to community integration as an adult. 
  • April 28, 2022 from 1:00—2:30 pm