Autism problems are nationwide

To the editor:

This is in response to the article, "Cases of child autism have increased 850 percent in Missouri." I live in Wisconsin. There hasn't been any state prevalence testing in Wisconsin either. The problems you talk about are national, not just in Missouri.

Our educational system does not recognize our child's Asperger's Syndrome though we have medical evaluations and recommendations from experts in autism. We have spent $15,000 on legal fees to find out our state educational system discriminates against children with autistic spectrum disorders by ignoring wide gaps in individual raw test scores on standardized tests, a typical characteristic of these children.

Worse is we drive 2 1/2 hours for a pediatrician with experience in working with children on the autism spectrum. We drive almost 2 hours for occupational therapy supports in sensory integration. Every child with any form of autism has some degree of dysfunction of sensory processing, yet all the local medical facilities tell me the school provides this service. Yet the school refuses to provide sensory integration supports.

Your article was excellent, but it only touched the tip of the problem. Keep writing. Our children need help, and awareness is a good start.

TAMI GOLDSTEIN

Janesville, Wis.