New autism center about to open in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- A first-of-its-kind autism center is about to open its doors in Louisville. St. Andrews Academy will hold its grand opening Thursday.

This new campus is for children ages 12 to 21. It's in addition to the campus for younger kids at St. Andrews Episcopal Church that serves kids ages 5 to 11.

Executive Director Susan Fowler explains, "We have a program that we think is unique to the entire country, where children have the opportunity to utilize the stores and the shops and the experience in the mall as an extension of their classroom."

Wendy Lawson, who has autism, says, "It's a place where skills can be developed in full view and then those skills can be used in a work situation. Kids don't learn like typical children do, they need a lot more extensive training and support."

Lawson is in town for several speaking engagements.