The idea of a Kentucky Autism Training Center (KATC) came when parents realized the need for an autism resource center in Kentucky. The parents began to research other centers around the country and spoke with State Representative Robert Heleringer at a legislative breakfast for the Kentucky Disabilities Coalition in January of 1996.

Rep. Heleringer was interested in the idea of an Autism Center in Kentucky and had the Legislative Research Commission examine similar bills adopted by other states. Information was given to Rep. Heleringer by parents. On January 9, 1996, Rep. Heleringer introduced a bill to the Health and Welfare Committee. Rep. Tom Burch, the Committee Chair, co-sponsored the bill.

In February 1996, the bill was passed by the House of Representatives and went to the Senate, where it was approved in April 1996. The Child Evaluation Center/Department of Pediatrics at the University of Louisville applied and was awarded the responsibilities of administering the autism center. In addition, to the Child Evaluation Center/Department of Pediatrics, both the Bingham Child Guidance Center and the Department of Special Education were internal partners regarding the formation of the Kentucky Autism Center.

During 2002-2003, the Board elected a Chair and expanded on the KATC guidelines of the KATC Advisory Board which include responsibilities for all members. These responsibilities include actively serving on sub-committees pertaining to specific areas of the Center's activities. To assist with the oversight of the working subcommittees, an executive committee was formed which includes the chairs of the subcommittees, the Chair and Vice-Chair of the KATC Advisory Board and the KATC Director.

In July of 2004, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Louisville assumed the administrative responsibility of the Kentucky Autism Training Center. It is anticipated that the KATC under the CEHD will flourish through collaborative relationships and creative partnerships towards the mission of providing professional development, training and information dissemination to families and professionals across the Commonwealth.

13 KAR 2:08 - State Autism Training Center