Hope for Parents of Autistic Children

What do you see here?

Autism Facts▪ 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum

Disorder (ASD) (CDC, 2014)▪ The estimate is based on data collected in 2010.▪ The estimate is roughly 30% higher that the data collected

in 2008.▪ Almost half (46%) of children with ASD had average or

above average intellectual ability (IQ greater than 85). ▪ Boys are 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD

than girls.

Parents of Autistic Children Statistics▪ Typically earn less than parents of average children▪ Have more expenses than parents of average children▪ Have higher rates of stress ▪ Smaller support networks▪ Increased anxiety▪ Difficulties accessing child care▪ Difficulty obtaining the needed services for their children

at school

Needs Assessment ToolsSurveys

Town Hall meetings

Surveys▪ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3C8T2ZB▪ Designed to determine if there is a need for counseling

services for parents/caregivers of autistic children.▪ Survey will be provided to parents/caregivers of children

with disabilities.▪ Surveys will be collected and analyzed to determine need.▪ Results will be provided to grant makers and funding

sources to support request for funding.

Town Hall Meetings▪ Town Hall meetings to be conducted with stakeholders to

determine their needs and how they can be met. ▪ Discussion regarding what would prevent them from

receiving services.▪ Stakeholders to receive “Hope for Parents of Autistic

Children” information. ▪ Stakeholder calls and emails will be calculated to

determine interest in the program.

Audience and Purpose▪ Grant makers, Community Based Services offices, and

parents/caregivers that would benefit from the “Hope for Parents of Autistic Children” counseling initiative.▪ Current estimates suggest that there are almost 1000

families in South Central Kentucky (which includes the Warren County, Bowling Green area), that have a child with autism. ▪ This counseling initiative would help provide free

counseling services to parents/caregivers that care for a child with autism.

Goals, Mission, and Vision

Goals▪ Advocacy for parents with autistic children ▪ Connect parents to resources that are available▪ Teach parents skills to reduce stress, anxiety, and

frustration▪ Assist parents in achieving personal success▪ Assist parents in helping their children achieve success.▪ Provide comprehensive counseling services to parents that

are facing the challenges associated with raising a special needs child.

Mission Statement▪The mission of “Hope for Parents of Autistic Children” is to provide counseling services to aid parents that are raising a special needs child by providing support, education, assistance, and hope.

Vision▪By Q3 2016 “Hope for Parents of Autistic Children” will receive grant funding to begin operations.▪By 2020 “Hope for Parents of Autistic Children” will be operating statewide in Kentucky and will be providing counseling services for all families affected by autism.

Program ImplementationWhat steps will be taken to make this program happen?

Facility

Click icon to add picture

Where will the services be provided?

1312 Westen Ave., Bowling Green KY, 421045100 sq. ft. building 33 parking spacesPreviously used as medical office

Hours of Operation

▪ Hours of operation would have to be outside standard operating hours▪ 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through

Friday▪ 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Staff

▪ 6 counselors will work 6 hour shifts Monday through Friday.▪ 4 ABA therapists will work 6 hour

shifts Monday through Friday▪ Counselors and Therapists will rotate

Saturday shifts▪ Counselors will be available to provide

services to parents of autistic children▪ ABA therapists are available to

provide child care services to autistic children while parents are receiving services.

Who will work for the program?

Needs Assessment Surveys

▪ Surveys given to the Department of Community Based Services (DCBS), LifeSkills Inc., and other agencies that provide services to children with autism. ▪ Surveys to be disseminated to parents of

autistic children.▪ Surveys collected to determine the

number of individuals that would receive services if services were available. ▪ Services offered would be substance

abuse counseling, grief counseling, psychoeducation, anger management, stress management, counseling for depression and anxiety, and advocacy services.

Budget

Operational Expenditures Initial cost (startup) 

Monthly cost

Annual expenses

Counselors (x6)   $5000 $60,000

ABA therapists (x4)   $4300 $52000

Utilities (water, electric, gas, cable, internet, etc)

$1000 (deposits)

$400 $4800

Mortgage (commercial building)

$200,000 (down payment)

$3500 $42000

Office supplies $10800 $250 $3000

Maintenance   $150 $1800

Technology $1500 $100 $1200

Marketing $1500 $100 $1200

Transportation (fuel costs to meet clients)

  $250 $3000

Insurance (vehicle, building, malpractice, etc)

  $1000 $12000

Emergency expenditures $5000    

Total Budget $219,800 $15,050 $181,000

Funding for the Hope for Parents of Autistic Children counseling Initiative

Funding

▪ Grant funded counseling initiative. ▪ Department of Education grant for

$250,000▪ Department of Business grant for

$85,100▪ Department of Health grant for

$95,000▪ Donations

Program Evaluation

▪ Effectiveness, efficiency, and success of program will be evaluated from perspective of those receiving services▪ Interviews would be foundation for

the program evaluation▪ Program evaluation would be a

qualitative design that is substantiated by quantitative research.▪ Questions:▪ How useful is the program?▪ What about the program needs to

change?▪ Are there services that are not

currently being offered that would be beneficial?

Life with autism is life with hope.

Questions?