To the editor:

Thanks for the great article on autism. I have two children who are defined by the school district here as having autism. The team at Knights of Columbus Developmental Center has also diagnosed them this way. There are many children who lose thier labels when they enter kindergarten for a variety of reasons, but it seems mostly to do with money. If the child does not have a diagnosis, the school does not have to pay for services. I never thought I would consider myself lucky to have two kids who were severe enough in their disorder to qualify for this diagnosis, but I am. It's the only way they can receive services.

MARGARET KELLER

St. Louis