Edith Godbey seems to always have a smile on her face, but reading a book with her son isn't always easy.

Her seven-year-old son, Cameron, was diagnosed with autism more than two years ago.

Godbey says, "It has been a rollercoaster!"

In two years, Cameron has seen three different schools, but finally, in Wood County, Godbey says Cameron has made some real progress.

"When you get somewhere you feel comfortable and you don't sit and obsess and worry every minute what's happening to your child, or are there needs being met, as a parent of an autistic child, that means the world."

For autistic students, meeting their needs can be difficult. That's why a new education policy in West Virginia is causing some alarm.

Godbey says, "Some might think I'm overreacting, but it's terrifying."

Currently, autistic classrooms have a maximum of four students, but policy 2419 would increase that number to ten students.

Autism teachers say their students often need a one-on-one relationship.

Dave Pierotti at Hamilton Jr. High says, "You could have student who is nonverbal, they can't talk, so you might have to use sign language; that takes a lot more time to figure out what they want."

Kim Fulton at Franklin Elementary says, "These kids don't have year after year to catch up. We need to get them right now and get busy with what they're doing and what they need."

Teachers say increasing the students and not the staff could be a setback for development.

It's the same fear Godbey has, who has waited two years to finally see progress in her son.

"You can't afford to miss opportunities with these children. You can't just let the day go by and see what happens."

The West Virginia Board of Education will hold a public meeting to discuss policy 2419 on December 12 at Jefferson Elementary at 6:30 p.m.

The policy hasn't been enacted yet. It's currently under review, which is why the public meetings are being held.