Autism Society of the Bluegrass

The Autism Society of the Bluegrass is a resource and support group for families and professionals in the Central Kentucky area who are involved with autism. We are a chapter of the Autism Society of America and a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. We provide education as well as scholarships for our members to obtain continuing autism-related education.

Your society is seeking volunteers to assist with the planning and realization of the Autism Awareness Walk, currently proposed for July 10. Tiffany Riddle, who so purposefully led the charge on this activity last year, is willing to help with administration of this effort if we can find willing hands. Please contact our president, Sara Spragens, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Tiffany at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to communicate your interest and availability by May 1st.

June 29th
 
“Accessing Legal Assistance for Children”
presented by Rebecca Ballard DiLoreto
Litigation Director, Children's Law Center
 
The Children's Law Center now has an office in Lexington!  Come and learn about the work done there and meet Ms. DiLoreto.  The Children's Law Center represents clients, works on policy and legislative initiatives, and offers public education.  Areas of focus include education law, juvenile justice, and child protection. Anyone who has a child with a disability of any kind or who has needs the Center can address is most welcome to join us, so please feel free to forward this.  As always, our meetings are free and open to all.

Also, to make sure your member’s voices are heard, a representative of the Kentucky Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs will be at this meeting to brief us on the upcoming statewide assessment.

The Kentucky Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs (CCSHCN) will soon begin a statewide needs assessment. The needs assessment is part of the Title V Block Grant Program through the Maternal Child Health Bureau (MCHB). MCHB is a bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Title V Block Grant Program’s general purpose is the improvement of the health of all mothers and children in the nation.

April 27th

Crystal-Johnston-presentation-notes.pdf

March 30th

Ellen Nicholson’s
“From the Cage to the Stage”
A Personal Journey for My Son and me

Autism is a disability that has unique characteristics that must be viewed individually and planned for according. This reality became evident after many sleepless nights and tiring days of trying to make sense of our lives and how to plan for our son. From the Cage to the Stage is a journey from a professional and personal perspective. As a principal of an elementary school and the parent of a child with autism, many lessons were learned and many obstacles were cleared. Combining knowledge of educational system, rights of a person with a disability and how to incorporate personal information will help others to plan their personal journey.

Ellen Nicholson is the parent of two wonderful sons, ages 17 and 22. The 17 year old, Kash has autism, epilepsy and tourettes. Ellen has worked with persons with disabilities for the past 30 years working as an elementary teacher, principal and as a private business owner, consultant and advocate in the disability arena. Ellen is currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership with International Studies through the University of Kentucky and works as a private educational consultant and an advocate through The Arc of Kentucky.

February 23th

Lori Barrett Norton,
Project Coordinator, Community-Based Work Transition Program.

Lori Barrett Norton has worked with persons with significant disabilities for twenty years, including fifteen years in supported employment and three years with a school system. Her passion is learning with people about their gifts, strengths, and talents. She has experience in assisting persons to develop their own businesses, as well as supporting people in customized employment -- developing and customizing jobs based on people’s interests and skills, and facilitating supports and follow-up.

Community_Based_Work_Transition_Program.pdf (187 KB)

January 26th

Dr. Lisa Ruble will present an I.E.P. Clinic

Dr. Ruble will present research on the importance of the quality and content of Individualized Education Plans of students with autism. Information on ways to evaluate and improve your child's IEP will be shared. Please bring your child's IEP so that you can participate in an activity designed to evaluate how well your child's IEP measures up and ways you can make improvements. Dr. Ruble is a licensed psychologist and a professor in the UK School Psychology Program.

IEP_Presentation_by_Lisa_Ruble.pdf (428 KB)
IEP_Evaluation_Form.pdf (22 KB)

ASBG meets on the very last Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Our meetings last approximately 2 hours. The meeting location is St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 2025 Bellefonte Dr, Lexington, KY. All are welcome. Free, experienced childcare is provided.

ASBG does not meet in May and November due to holidays. Our December meeting is an open-topic potluck on the first or second Monday.

Yearly membership dues (to cover postage, printing, office supplies, long distance phone calls, and the costs of holding our meetings) are $12.00. All donations are tax-deductible. Our membership year runs from January 1 - December 31.

ASBG_Membership.pdf (61 KB)

Donations to the ASBG are greatly appreciated and may also be mailed to:

Vibert Forsythe
ASBG Treasurer
1000 Turnbridge Rd.
Lexington, KY 40515

ASBG members are encouraged to join the national chapter (Autism Society of America-ASA). ASA membership includes a one-year subscription to the Advocate, a quarterly magazine, and voting rights in ASA elections.