Recent studies report that 1 in every 35 children in this country have been diagnosed with autism, yet so much about Autism Spectrum Disorder remains a mystery.

In a state with some of the country’s most prestigious medical research institutions, tens of thousands of Alabamians are impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and long for information that is not available.

I am painfully aware that this affects so many wonderful children across our state and the parents that love their children with all of their hearts.

Because ASD impacts each person differently, each family’s journey with this disorder is different.

The one thing they all want is for their children to have the most fulfilling lives that they can possibly provide for them.

We must, as a society and as a government, focus on how autism impacts each child and what strategies, therapies and methods can be utilized to provide families with the answers they need and the information to help them help their children.

We must engage in new and innovative medical research to unlock answers that remain hidden.

This will require more research and more medical expertise devoted to ASD. I truly believe that we, as a state, should lead the efforts in ASD research.

As Lt. Governor, I will work closely with our state’s world class medical researchers to ensure that ASD is made a high priority when it comes to the devotion of research and resources because Alabama’s families deserve nothing less.

Wes Allen currently serves as the Alabama Secretary of State. He is running for Lieutenant Governor in the May 19, 2026 Alabama Republican Party primary election.