A statewide campaign to help parents, teachers and caregivers recognize the early signs of autism and related disorders will be held in April.

The campaign will be called, "Learn the Signs, Act Early in Kentucky."

It is a joint effort by the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute, the Kentucky Department of Education, the state Cabinet for Health and Human Services, the University of Louisville Autism Center at Kosair Charities, and various autism support groups.

The program will include workshops, webinars, downloadable materials and public service announcements, all designed to help parents, teachers and others understand "typical" cognitive progress in children, and how to recognize early signs of autism.

Information about the campaign is available online at www.louisville.edu/education/kyautismtraining/actearly.

The campaign kicks off Monday as a part of Autism Awareness Month.

Jim Warren: (859) 231-3255.