Autism Bill proposed in Kentucky
December 21, 2006 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
“Society is judged by how we treat the least of us. How can we turn our backs on those who can’t fend for themselves?”
Says Wayne Shemwell Sr. whose 14 year old son, Wayne Jr., is autistic. Wayne Jr. and his family are featured in an article in today’s Courier-Journal (Kentucky). The article is entitled Struggling with autism care: Report: Ky. resources inadequate; families pay price. Wayne Jr. attended six preschools and transferred twice from school district to school district; he has been attending a class for autistic students in Oldham County, KY.
Last week State Rep. Scott Brinkman, Chairman of the Kentucky Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders, filed House Bill 419, which proposes that the state create a program within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services; the program is to offer support for autistic persons, their families, and their caregivers. Brinkman notes that, while “Kentucky isn’t the worst state when it comes to meeting the needs of people with autism, ‘…. we’re not great.’” Bill 419 proposes that every student be screened at 18 months, 2 years, 4 years, and in the 6th grade “to identify autism traits and allow for early intervention.”
According to the Courier-Journal article, more than 24,000 people in Kentucky have autism—a lot of people too turn one’s back to.
