Opening of local school for autistic children is good news

To the Editor:

It was great to read about the opening of a new facility for kids with autism at the Jefferson School at Finan Center. (“New school at Finan to work with autistic children” Oct. 18, Times-News, Page 1A). Many people may not know that Jefferson is a day school for students who have emotional, behavioral and learning needs.

Our area values such facilities to give children the services they need to grow and move into healthy, productive adult lives.

Many of the kids that will be served at the new facility, as well as at other special-education schools in this area and around the state, did not receive adequate attention, counseling and service in the public schools. Jefferson provides hands-on, high-quality services to each of its students.

Diagnosis of kids with autism is on the rise and the demand for such facilities is likely to grow. This is a great partnership with the public school system should be commended for putting this in place.

Our family is so grateful that we have options like the Jefferson School in this area for our child. The state of Maryland should do all it can to make sure these facilities remain viable and able to meet the needs of so many families trying to provide the best for a child with a major disability.

Deena Helmstetter

Cumberland