KENTUCKY — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Act Early program, autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is what is known as a “spectrum disorder,” meaning that it affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.

During this In Focus Kentucky segment, northern Kentucky mother Hailie Newman joins the program to her family’s personal journey as it relates to autism spectrum disorder and why they are advocating for the creation of the Autism in Education Task Force. This proposal would explore education supports and services for Kentucky students with autism spectrum disorder.

You can watch the full ‘In Focus Kentucky’ segment in the player above.