Created by way of the Commonwealth Autism Commission Act of 2008, the commission is composed of 15 representative members from various agencies and stakeholders within the community.
However, it operates as an unfunded commission relying solely on in-kind and voluntary support from its different members.
In a letter to the governor, commission chairman and parent of a child with a disability, Vince Merfalen, states the bulk of the commission’s activities will be “to gather information; identify specific needs, issues and gaps in programs and services; evaluate possible solutions; and make recommendations for improvement.”
Local statistics generated through the Public School System’s special education program show a significant spike in numbers of students with autism receiving special education services with a mere two students in school year 2001-2002 to 63 in school year 2008-2009.
On a national scale, as recently as “two decades ago, autism — a disorder that affects a child’s ability to communicate, relate, play, imagine, and learn — was thought to affect one in 5,000 children.”
Today, it is thought that one in every 150 children has some form of autism, but autism is not the only worry.
“Studies at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest one child in six today will be diagnosed with some form of developmental or behavioral disability. This rather stunning apparent increase in children in developmental peril is unexplained. It is frightening,” Merfalen said.
Ultimately, the commission hopes to be able to put together various pieces of the puzzle that is autism, but needs as much input as possible from all members of the community.
Anyone interested in more information about the commission or in offering insight on the issues can call the Council on Developmental Disabilities at 664-7000 or the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc. (NMPASI) at 235-7273 (voice) or 235-7278 (tty).
You may also check www.cnmicdd.com or www.nmpasi.com.
