MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Wardcliff Elementary School in Okemos may soon be used as a development center for people with autism. The school is currently closed and the property has gone unused in the mean time. The Wardcliff Neighborhood Association will soon vote on the proposal. It was presented by a member of the Community Mental Health Center of Ingham County. She has an autistic child, as does a member of the Wardcliff Neighborhood Association.

Community Mental Health members of Ingham County have proposed using the vacant Wardcliff Elementary School as a developmental center for people with autism. Members of the Wardcliff Neighborhood are happy to see the property put to use.

Esther Ogna, Wardcliff Neighborhood Association Board Member: "I think it's fantastic. I personally have an investment in this because I have a son with autism."

The number of children diagnosed with autism is increasing, according to members of the mental health association. Pam Miller, also the mother of an autistic child, said Wardliff would be a good fit for the treatment center.

Pam Miller, Ingham County Community Mental Health Autism Specialist: "It was just the beautiful playground, the area, there was a lot of open space, the building itself was warm and inviting."

Wardcliff Elementary School has been closed for a couple of years now and since then the property has gone entirely unused. Miller told me it was members of this very neighborhood that informed her it was once again time for this community to grow.

A learning center specifically for autistic individuals could reduce bulling for autistic students. Onaga said the fear of her son being bullied made her once wish she could change him. Now, she's glad she couldn't.

Ogna: "Today I have to pause. I don't know, I appreciate and like him for who he is. He's very honest and funny."

These two mothers don't want to change their children, they want to give them the chance to grow. After all that is a mother's nature.