West Kentucky Autism Center
Donation protected
www.westkyautismcenter.org
Families on the Spectrum announces West KY Autism Center According to a press release dated March 27, 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 68 children (or 14.7 per 1,000 eight-year-olds) in multiple communities in the United States has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This new estimate is roughly 30 percent higher than previous estimates reported in 2012 of 1 in 88 children (11.3 per 1,000 eight year olds) being identified with an autism spectrum disorder. The West Kentucky Autism Center seeks establishment to create a comprehensive clinic that offers treatment for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Our vision is to bring medical experts, skilled therapists, state of the art technology, and family support and advocacy together in one facility that will be local to those residing in Western Kentucky. It is our belief that sound diagnostic assessment and evidence based treatment should be coordinated, easily accessible, and financially practical. We come with an understanding that individuals and families who are faced with an autism diagnosis often have an overwhelming, confusing, and stressful path ahead of them. The West Kentucky Autism Center seeks to be a leading cornerstone of care for those affected by autism and a model for other communities with similar needs. An autism-friendly facility to house service delivery WKAS will be a facility that is conducive to serving a population that may engage in challenging behavior (e.g. elopement, property destruction, aggression, etc.) and have unique sensory needs (e.g. sensitivity to loud noises, varied dietary preferences/restrictions, over-stimulation, hyperactivity). The facility will also be located away from high traffic areas for safety purposes and have access to natural settings to allow for outdoor recreation. A centralized facility where professional practitioners can deliver services A predominant area of emphasis will be the delivery of services rooted in evidence based treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder. These will include, but not limited to, medical treatment (including neuro-developmental and diagnostic evaluation), applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health counseling. A university internship and practicum training center WKAC seeks to partner with local colleges and universities to provide internships for undergraduate and graduate students studying in the social science fields (e.g. psychology, applied behavior analysis, special education, etc.). Therapists of various disciplines may be able to supervise required clinical experience hours based on their certifications and credentials. A location for family support and advocacy WKAC recognizes the necessity and great deficit of family support in our region. Educational advocacy (IEP consultation), parent and community workshops that provide autism education, summer day programs, life skill classes, and social events for people on the spectrum will provide this support in an easily identifiable location. We hope that our dream, mission, and vision is shared by individuals and businesses throughout the region so that we will receive the community support that is needed to see this facility come to fruition. There is currently no known cause or cure for autism spectrum disorder. We seek to build the West KY Autism Center because it is crucial in fulfilling the needs of a growing population of autism families throughout Western Kentucky. If you feel lead to help us achieve this goal, Families on the Spectrum is an IRS-recognized 501c3 and your donations will be tax deductible.
Families on the Spectrum announces West KY Autism Center According to a press release dated March 27, 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 68 children (or 14.7 per 1,000 eight-year-olds) in multiple communities in the United States has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This new estimate is roughly 30 percent higher than previous estimates reported in 2012 of 1 in 88 children (11.3 per 1,000 eight year olds) being identified with an autism spectrum disorder. The West Kentucky Autism Center seeks establishment to create a comprehensive clinic that offers treatment for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Our vision is to bring medical experts, skilled therapists, state of the art technology, and family support and advocacy together in one facility that will be local to those residing in Western Kentucky. It is our belief that sound diagnostic assessment and evidence based treatment should be coordinated, easily accessible, and financially practical. We come with an understanding that individuals and families who are faced with an autism diagnosis often have an overwhelming, confusing, and stressful path ahead of them. The West Kentucky Autism Center seeks to be a leading cornerstone of care for those affected by autism and a model for other communities with similar needs. An autism-friendly facility to house service delivery WKAS will be a facility that is conducive to serving a population that may engage in challenging behavior (e.g. elopement, property destruction, aggression, etc.) and have unique sensory needs (e.g. sensitivity to loud noises, varied dietary preferences/restrictions, over-stimulation, hyperactivity). The facility will also be located away from high traffic areas for safety purposes and have access to natural settings to allow for outdoor recreation. A centralized facility where professional practitioners can deliver services A predominant area of emphasis will be the delivery of services rooted in evidence based treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder. These will include, but not limited to, medical treatment (including neuro-developmental and diagnostic evaluation), applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health counseling. A university internship and practicum training center WKAC seeks to partner with local colleges and universities to provide internships for undergraduate and graduate students studying in the social science fields (e.g. psychology, applied behavior analysis, special education, etc.). Therapists of various disciplines may be able to supervise required clinical experience hours based on their certifications and credentials. A location for family support and advocacy WKAC recognizes the necessity and great deficit of family support in our region. Educational advocacy (IEP consultation), parent and community workshops that provide autism education, summer day programs, life skill classes, and social events for people on the spectrum will provide this support in an easily identifiable location. We hope that our dream, mission, and vision is shared by individuals and businesses throughout the region so that we will receive the community support that is needed to see this facility come to fruition. There is currently no known cause or cure for autism spectrum disorder. We seek to build the West KY Autism Center because it is crucial in fulfilling the needs of a growing population of autism families throughout Western Kentucky. If you feel lead to help us achieve this goal, Families on the Spectrum is an IRS-recognized 501c3 and your donations will be tax deductible.
Organizer
Krissy Ramey
Organizer
