Facing Autism can be a struggle for any family, and one woman is making sure families in Hart and surrounding counties have the support they need.

Stephanie Turner had been driving to Barren County for Autism support for herself and her daughter before deciding to start her own group to cater to those closer to home.

Hart of Autism meets the third Thursday each month at 6:30pm at the Munfordville Baptist Churc,h and accepts all children on the Autism spectrum, even those without a diagnosis.

This is helpful for parents like Amy Gardner, who suspects that one of her children may have Autism, "If you can come here and just learn one thing that helps your child, that puts you on the right path in the right direction."

There are no fees or dues, as the money to run the group is made through fundraisers Turner organizes throughout the year.

These funds also pay a therapist to attend each meeting, providing the children with additional therapy while the parents get together to learn and share the experiences of raising an Autistic child.

"They get to sit together and learn that they are not alone, that other people are going through what they are going through, that they are not a bad parent, and that there is help out there," says Turner.

For providing help to families of Autistic children, we honor Stephanie Turner as a Hometown Hero.

If you would like additional information on Hart of Autism or Autism Disorders, use the related links below.