"The Honorable Glenn Youngkin Governor  Of Virginia" My name is Cheryl Wilson, I am writing you on behalf of my daughter, Shaquena Mullen who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 years old. Shaquena is currently 31 years old and also has intellectual disabilities, aggressive behavioral problems, and she is also nonverbal. I have been reaching out to parents, caregivers and family members that experience daily challenges while caring for adults with autism. One thing about autism it comes along with many daily challenges which means the entire family is affected by this lifetime diagnosis. As someone who provides 24-hour care total care for my adult daughter, I have not found the needed resources, help,or support in the state of Virginia for adults with autism. Through my research ,I have discovered that there are 155,577 people that are facing the challenge of caring for adult family members with autism. This number continues to grow due to the fact that a child or an adult is being diagnosed with autism each and every day in the state of Virginia. In my humble opinion, it appears that Virginia has not given any thought to providing the necessary resources and assistance to it's adult autism community. Unlike other states, such as; Arizona, New Jersey, and California who provides an abundance of resources for their citizens living with autism, Virginia offers the least amount of support and resources. I am petitioning you to effect a positive change within the autism community in the state of Virginia. The lack of support is also evident in the medical community, even doctors are afraid and hesitate to provide care to people with autism, which often results in misdiagnosis. Law enforcement could also use training and resources to better equip them to serve and meet the unique needs within the autistic community. Additionally, the school system needs to be revamped so that once a child graduates from the special needs educational program within the school system they remain eligible for educational services, if need. Adults like my daughter still required the same help and support they received while they were in the school system throughout their entire lifespan. As stated, the challenges I face daily are not unique to me, there are more than 155,000 Virginia citizens that need the help and support of our elected officials to assist in this very important matter. The Virginian autistic community deserves to be a topic or discussion.Quite literally, their quality of life is dependent upon the state and legislature recognizing the challenges adults with autism and their caregivers face daily. I would love an opportunity to discuss this issue and the challenges your citizens face while living with or caring for adult family members with autism. I am not writing you to just drop this issue on your plate and expect you to come with solutions. I am more than willing to provide ideas and solutions as well as champion any initiatives that will not only provide a better more fulfilled life for my adult daughter but for every adult in the State of Virginia living with autism. Thank you in advance for your time and assistant concerning this very important matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon,