HB 296: The Kentucky Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the most prevalent developmental disability, affecting an estimated one in 166 births and about 24,000 Kentuckians. ASD affects the families of diagnosed individuals, but early diagnosis, intervention, education and therapies can help minimize the impact.

On March 18, 2005, Governor Ernie Fletcher signed House Bill 296 into law establishing the Kentucky Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Sponsored by state Rep. Scott Brinkman (Louisville), the legislation charges the agency with development of a comprehensive statewide plan for an integrated system of training, treatment and services for individuals of all ages with an ADS.

The 22-member commission first met  Aug. 22, 2005, and named subcommittees to address the following issues: identification and intervention; services/transition; best practices and training; and funding.

The commission is composed of members from key state agencies and nine appointed community members. In addition to Rep. Brinkman, other state legislators serving on the commission include Sen. Denise Harper Angel (Louisville), Rep. Chuck Meade (Allen) and Sen. Damon Thayer (Georgetown).

The appointed members ensure broad representation of Kentucky's citizens concerned with the health and quality of life for individuals with an ASD. The following were appointed to the commission by the governor:

Provider Representatives

Lisa Ruble, Ph. D., Louisville, representing professional ASD mental health providers

Thomas Pinkstaff, M.D., Nicholasville, representing professional ASD physical health providers

Carla Jordan, Bimble, representing professional ASD complex needs consultants from a special education cooperative

Myra Beth Bundy, Ph. D., Richmond, representing professional ASD treatment providers

Parent Representatives

Representing parents of children younger than 18 with ASDs are:

David Lane, Stamping Ground;

Trudy Abshire, Louisa; and

Virginia Gibbs, Louisville.

Representing parents of children 18 and older with ASDs are:

Cheryl Dunn, Dexter; and

Gayla Hayes, Franklin.

The state plan developed by this commission shall include the following:

-    An assessment of the diverse needs for services and supports for individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder;

-    Identification of state, federal, private, and any other appropriate funding sources;

-    Development of a comprehensive training plan, which shall include the Kentucky Autism Training Center, to meet training needs;

-    An analysis of standards for provider training and qualifications, best practice standards for services, and the need for additional service providers;

-    An evaluation of health benefit plans and insurance coverage for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder;

-    A plan for the identification of individuals of all ages with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and for the creation of a statewide registry;

-    An analysis of program an service eligibility criteria;

-    An assessment of the need for the coordinated, enhanced, and targeted special education and treatment programs for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder; and

-    A timeline for implementing and monitoring the recommendations of the plan statewide.

The commission will submit the comprehensive state plan and recommendations to the governor, the Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Legislative Research Commission by Oct. 1, 2006. If you have any questions about the commission, please contact Shelley Runkle or Pat Seybold at: KCDD, (502) 564-7841 or by e-mailing shelley.runkle@ky.gov

Minutes:

ASD minutes 8-05 

ASD minutes 10-05

ASD minutes 11-05

ASD minutes 01-10-06

ASD minutes 03-10-06

ASD Minutes 5-06

Subcommittees:

The Kentucky Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders has created four working sub-committees to better concentrate and plan for the specific needs for individuals with ASD in Kentucky. Please click the link below for more specific information.

ASD Committee structure

The Kentucky ASD Commission was created to review the current services and practices in Kentucky and to then create a report with recommendations to improve the current system for people with ASD in Kentucky. This report was sent to the Governor for review on Oct. 1, 2006. This report has been finalized and is available for public viewing by clicking the links below. The ASD Commission is proud to present:

KY ASD Comprehensive State Plan- A Vision for all Kentuckians with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Appendix A                       Appendix B                      Appendix C

Appendix D                       Appendix E                      Appendix F

Appendix G                       Appendix H                      Appendix I

Appendix J                        Appendix K                      Appendix L

Appendix M                      Appendix N

Here are some links for Autism supports and resources in Kentucky

Family Support Groups in Kentucky

Kentucky Autism Training Center
911 S. Brook St.
Louisville, KY  40203
(502) 852-4631

Kentucky Department for Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services
(502) 564- 5478
100 Fair Oaks Lane 4E-B
Frankfort, KY 40621 

ASDAC- Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Consortium of Kentucky

Other States Council's on Autism  - This report was researched by the Martin School of Public Policy