LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In Kentucky, it is estimated that over 80,000 individuals have autism, according to a 2020 report from Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism. The Bluegrass Center for Autism said they aren’t surprised by the data.

What You Need To Know

  • CDC data from 2022 found that the rate of autism is 1 in 31 people

  • Bluegrass Center for Autism has four locations providing one-on-one services for individuals on the autism spectrum, from ages 2 to 31 years old
  • BCA currently has a wait list of 350 children and adults 

  • The organization is asking the Louisville Metro Council to allocate half a million dollars to expand services across the community

Sterling Franklin, the director of development and marketing for BCA, always had a heart for the autism community, inspired by her younger sister, who has autism. 

New data from the CDC reveals that the rate of autism was 1 in 31 people in 2022.

Franklin said that wasn’t a sticker shock for them, and the actual rate of autism in 2025 is probably even higher than that.

“That news when that came out that didn’t affect us at all. And the reason for that is we see that every day. We’re starting to see adults with autism coming into the community and joining the workforce,” said Franklin.

The Bluegrass Center for Autism is an applied behavior analysis provider with one-on-one services for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Behavior specialist Lauren Brown said BCA has over 100 clients providing 2,600 hours of therapy a week, and the demand for autism services continues to grow.

“Being in the community program here at BCA, going into schools, going into the community, going into homes, going into various clinics around, you just see a different need and everyone’s needs are different. We strive to meet the clients where their needs are versus just as a label of someone with autism, so the needs are forever changing,” said Brown.

Franklin said many families in the Louisville area are in crisis and need more services

“We currently have a wait list of 350 children and adults waiting for our services,” said Franklin.

The organization is asking the Louisville Metro Council to allocate them half a million dollars to expand services across the community.

Franklin said they are hopeful and optimistic about adding autism services to the city’s budget.

“If we were able to get that into the budget, then we essentially have estimated that about 100 families would come off the waitlist, which is pretty big,” said Franklin.

Franklin said the important thing is that the conversation is taking place about the need and lack of autism services in our community.

A final city budget is expected by the end of the month.