Sara Young

200 Ferris Drive

Big Rapids, MI 49307

July 16, 2014

President of the United States Mr. Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Obama:

I am a registered nurse completing my bachelor of science in nursing at Ferris State University. I
compose this letter as a concerned citizen, healthcare provider and Aunt who has witnessed first-
hand the disparities and lack of resources and funding for community mental health programs--
most specifically for autism spectrum disorder treatment in young adults. Vocational
rehabilitation can have profound positive effects on the social and communicative needs for
these young adults. It is imperative that funding is available for rehabilitative services beyond
adolescence so these young adults may interact in job training, community participation, and
independent living.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to the Centers for Disease Control, affects 1 in 68
children based on 2010 statistics. This is a 30% increase as compared to a 2008 study. The
prevalence of diagnosis continues to rise as the funding for treatment and resources decline, most
specifically for young adults, placing severe strain on already struggling families. The Centers
for Disease Control has estimated that it costs at least $17,000 more per year to care for a child
with ASD. National awareness has increased, but access to care continues to be a problem.
Autism is a lifelong disorder that can have positive outcomes with continued rehabilitative
services offered at community health levels. The goal in rehabilitative programming is to
promote quality of life for those with autism to be productive, independent members in society. I
strongly urge our government to address the needs of the autistic members in our society through
policy change, continued awareness and access to rehabilitative programs.

Thank you for your time and attention in this matter.

Sincerely,


Sara Young, RN