INTRODUCING himself to the community during the proclamation signing ceremony for Autism Awareness Month on Monday at Saipan World Resort, Ulen Joseph Vicente Alepuyo Camacho said he loves Manga and anime.
“Manga are Japanese comic books,” he said. “Anime are Japanese cartoons and animation shows. My dream is to be a Manga artist. I want to draw Manga stories to change the entertainment industry. If anyone wants to partner with me to make Manga stories, let me know. We can be friends. We can do it together.”
“My name is Ulen Camacho, I have autism” he added.
The son of Judge Joseph N. Camacho and attorney Viola Alepuyo, Ulen is one of the 191 individuals in the CNMI who have been identified with autism spectrum disorder or ASD, a developmental disability that can cause social, communication and behavioral challenges.
Joining Ulen on Monday at Saipan World Resort for the proclamation signing were several individuals with ASD and their families, members of the Autism Society of the CNMI, partnering agencies and Commonwealth officials led by acting Gov. David M. Apatang.
“We support autism awareness,” Judge Camacho said. “There are many challenges for sure as a parent. Each child is unique. But we are very blessed with our son. We appreciate the journey of overcoming many challenges in this journey.”
He said the support provided by the Public School System, the Autism Society of the CNMI, and other government and non-government organizations helped them go through the challenges experienced by his family.
He said they are grateful for the “overwhelming support we receive from our family and community members.”
Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez said “it is important to support individuals with unique disabilities because they are also a part of our community. We are as one. They are unique in their own ways.”
According to the proclamation designating April as Autism Awareness Month, about one in 44 children has been identified with ASD, and this occurs in all ethnic, socioeconomic and racial groups.
Acting Governor Apatang thanked the organizations that continue to raise awareness about ASD.
“It is our job to protect, help and love each member of the community with ASD and each family living with a member with ASD,” he said.
Acting Gov. David M. Apatang poses for a photo with other CNMI officials, advocates and community members after signing a proclamation designating April as Autism Awareness Month on Monday at Saipan World Resort.
