News

New Autism Diagnosis Resource Sheet

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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:

Download the Resource Sheet PDF

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

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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

CDC Prevalence Rates Updated

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The CDC Prevalence Rates have been updated to 1 in 44 children have autism as of Dec.3,2021. Visit this CDC webpage for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/ss/ss7011a1.htm

Interpretation: In 2018, one in 44 children aged 8 years was estimated to have ASD, and prevalence and median age of identification varied widely across sites. Whereas overall ASD prevalence was similar by race and ethnicity, at certain sites Hispanic children were less likely to be identified as having ASD than White or Black children. The higher proportion of Black children compared with White and Hispanic children classified as having intellectual disability was consistent with previous findings.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2018

Surveillance Summaries / December 3, 2021 / 70(11);1–16