Autism center is a big boost for treatment and the local economy

Autism among children in Southeast Missouri is a growing problem. Medical experts have yet to confirm a common link for the increasing number of children diagnosed with autism other than the fact that diagnostic techniques have improved considerably. And so have programs that help autistic children and parents. Because of the distance to support facilities for autistic children, there has long been a need in Southeast Missouri for a resource center. That need will be addressed with the construction of the Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment in Cape Girardeau, a project of Southeast Missouri State University.

The new $2.4 million center is one of more than 20 projects at public-funded universities around the state being funded by payments from the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority. The program was started by Matt Blunt when he was governor, and Jay Nixon, the current governor, earlier this month released $118.1 million of MOHELA funds for 18 projects including the autism center at Southeast.

A groundbreaking was held in January for the center, and funding was temporarily put on hold while Governor Nixon assessed the projects. Funding was approved last week for those projects that were ready for construction.

In addition to providing much needed help to deal with autism in Southeast Missouri, this construction project also will pump dollars into the local economy through construction jobs and related spending. Governor Nixon is to be commended for both his determination to support these construction projects as well as his prudence in stretching MOHELA dollars as they become available.