Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider, R-Saipan, said autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States and the commonwealth with an estimated $90 billion annual impact to the nation’s economy and double that amount in the next decade.
“Experts estimate that two to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. In the commonwealth, during the 2007-2008 school year, the Public School System had enrolled 58 students with autism from ages 3-21,” said Hofschneider.
He sponsored House Bill 16-135 or the Commonwealth Autism Commission Act of 2008 which was passed on first reading only during their session last Dec. 4.
The lawmaker said a commission on autism should be formed to develop a comprehensive plan for services for individuals of all ages with autism to help them become more productive citizens.
“Autism is typically diagnosed during the first three years of life, is four times more likely to occur in males than females and occurs throughout communities, including the commonwealth, irrespective of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or other factors,” he said.
“Autism impacts not only individuals with autism but also their families, caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals and the community as a whole,” he added.
The proposed Commonwealth Commission on Autism should have 15 members which include the chair of the House and the Senate’s respective Committee on Health, Education and Welfare; the special education coordinator of the Public School System; the director of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities of Northern Marianas College; a representative of the board of pediatrics at the Commonwealth Health Center; the executive director of the Council for Developmental Disabilities; the executive director of the Office for Vocational Rehabilitation; and a representative from the Family Court.
The commission should also include as member the Department of Public Safety commissioner or his designee; the executive director of the Northern Marianas Protection & Advocacy System Inc.; two representatives from the nonprofit and chartered Autism Society of the CNMI and three other community stakeholders.
The body’s main goal is to study and investigate issues about the early identification and intervention of autism.
It must also liaise with local and federal authorities to develop a comprehensive plan for services for individuals with autism.
Members of the commission will serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses they incurred while performing their duties.
