Independent journalist Nick Shirley has reported on alleged fraud within Somali-run daycare and autism centers in Minneapolis, highlighting concerns about the effective use of state funding. Research indicates that autism diagnoses among eight-year-olds in Minnesota are higher than the national average, with a particularly notable increase in diagnoses within the Somali community. According to a PBS NewsHour report from October 2024, the rate of autism in Somali four-year-olds is significantly higher than that of their peers, raising questions about the underlying causes of this disparity.

Despite the high rates of autism, reports indicate that many state-funded autism centers are underutilized. Investigative visits by Alpha News revealed empty rooms at several autism centers and adult daycares, despite substantial taxpayer funding. For instance, four centers reportedly received nearly $7 million combined, yet no children were observed during visits. Staff at these facilities often cited capacity issues or claimed to be full, but the lack of children present raised further questions about the services being provided.

The investigation coincides with federal disclosures regarding suspected fraud within Minnesota’s Medicaid system, suggesting that the scale of the issue may be larger than previously understood. The findings underscore the need for scrutiny of how public funds are allocated and the effectiveness of services intended for vulnerable populations, particularly in communities with rising health concerns.