The Autism Society of Kentuckiana (ASK) is a non-profit organization serving Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana that provides support for families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.
ASK provides resources and education for families and individuals through our monthly meetings, workshops and social events. ASK is run completely by volunteers and relies on membership dues, fundraisers and donations to fund its services.
ASK became a chartered chapter of the Autism Society of America (ASA) in the early 1990’s. Through the years hundreds of families have attended our meetings. Currently we usually have approximately 10-20 families attending ASK monthly meetings. We are unique in that we offer free childcare by trained staff during our meetings, not only for the child with autism, but for siblings as well.
We have a different guest speaker every other month and chose speakers based on requests and interests of the group. Topics may include: types of therapy, new technology, advocacy, and IEPs. We also have speakers from various local agencies to inform our members of available services. During meetings without guest speakers, we offer general support, ask questions and get to know each other.
As a chapter of the Autism Society of America (ASA), we follow their options policy, which is (in part) to promote the active and informed involvement of family members and the individual with autism in the planning of individualized and appropriate services and support. To read the complete ASA options policy, visit Autism Society of America-Options Policy.
Following our national organization’s policy, ASK believes that all individuals with autism have the right to access appropriate services and support based on their needs and desires. Our mission is to assist families and individuals in doing so.
Our Mission
Autism Society of Kentuckiana creates connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.
We exist to serve our local Autism community through advocacy, community programming, and creating a more inclusive world.
Our Vision
To connect the Autism community with the resources they need and want throughout the (ASK) region.
Our Values
ASK is dedicated to ensuring that every program, service, or support provided to our community is Person-Centered, and focused on Personal Outcome Measures (POM). Specifically, all of our work is based on the following core values:
- Each person with autism is unique and should be treated as such.
- Every person with autism should have the same opportunities as any other person.
- People with autism should have choices and control over their lives.
Our Guidelines
Respect: We respect and value the uniqueness of all individuals within the autism spectrum. When provided the opportunity, each individual can make a unique contribution to his/her family, community, and society. The individual is the priority, rather than any philosophical stance.
Empowerment and Support: We empower and support individuals on the autism spectrum (and those who advocate for them) to achieve through self-advocacy, greater independence, and integration in all facets of community life.
Individuality: We demonstrate this through the provision of services and supports in an individualized manner that shows respect for individual dignity, personal preferences, cultural differences, as well as the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, and abilities of individuals and their families.
Equity: We promote fair and equitable access to supports, opportunities, and services for all individuals on the autism spectrum. We strive for equity and fairness in decision-making and in our relationships with others.
Integrity and Accountability: We act with honesty, integrity, and openness in all dealings, adhere to high ethical and performance standards, and manage resources in a responsible and prudent manner.
Collaboration: We encourage and promote cooperative relationships among families, communities, schools, government agencies, organizations, professionals, and others involved in the lives of people within the autism spectrum. We value relationships founded on honesty, integrity, and mutual respect.