I am writing this petition on behalf of a group of children who are more than just students to us; they are our family. We run an education program for autistic children in our residential area, serving low-income families and those with severe conditions. These children rely on us as their safe haven, their place for growth and development.

However, Ellisville city hall and some neighbors have proposed shutting down this vital program. This would leave these vulnerable children without the specialized educational services they desperately need. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 54 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) every year in the United States alone. Many of these kids come from low-income families who cannot afford private therapy or schooling.

Our program provides a lifeline to these families, offering quality education tailored specifically to each child's needs at an affordable cost to them. Losing this service would not only disrupt the lives of these kids but also put an additional burden on their already struggling families.

We urge you to consider the impact that closing down this program will have on our community's most vulnerable members. Please stand with us in preserving this essential service for autistic children in our residential area by signing this petition today.