Over the the past three decades, the number of children being born with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has spiked alarmingly.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report in their most recent update on April 1 that 1 in 54 children in the U.S. is born with autism. This is most sobering as this is up since the previous report of 1 in 68 being identified.

The CDC also reports that 1 in 42 boys have autism while 1 in 189 girls suffer from some form.

Typically, symptoms are evident during the first two years of life. Statistics do indicate that significant improvements in diagnosis and reporting may account for a portion public information relating to the increase.

Nevertheless, autism and the spectrum is serious and real for many thousands of families. I have raised an autistic child, now an adult, and know the heartache, bewilderment parents experience. We were blessed in having a gifted and talented physician who has guided our daughter through the years.

She has a happy contented life, and many strangers find it difficult to believe that she is autistic.

Alabama has been fairly progressive in funding and providing services for the mentally ill.

Unfortunately, the majority of the public look upon autism spectrum disorders as a mental illness. It is not recognized as such when considering victims for services. Under existing funding regulations autism spectrum is defined as a developmental disability-not a mental illness.

Consequently, existing regulations are designed for autistic children’s needs and services be be addressed in the public school systems as opposed to mental health programs and services.

This arrangement is a temporarily patch in lieu of a permanent fix. After an autistic child progresses through the educational system-whether it be a special education or mainstream setting, he is suddenly sent out into the real world upon completion with no direction, services and many times without adequate leadership. Not unlike, a lost sheep in the wilderness.

Whatever progress accomplished in school years can easily be lost as they fall through the cracks for services. Our nation can and simply must do a better job in addressing the needs of the autistic-especially those reaching adulthood.

Understandably, adults with ASD usually are jobless or have menial, low paying work. Consequently, they are not able to contribute as much with taxes. Virtually none vote or have any interest in voting thus, are left out of the political mix. Please be a part in shepherding these vulnerable sheep into a meaningful productive environment.

James W. Anderson, of Talladega, has an adult autistic daughter.