1 in 88!

This is the new number from a study in 2008 that the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) has released on the number of 8-year-old children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. See this website for more: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/CountingAutism/

All over the world, it is happening. On April 1st (2nd on Saipan) the whole world celebrated World Autism Day. A day for the whole world to take notice, pause and learn more about Autism. According to the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge University in the UK, “the number of children with autism has risen 12-fold in the past 30 years and may be 50 per cent higher than previously suspected…” For more, visit: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/autism-study-finds-12fold-rise-in-cases-1692556.html

In Australia ABC reported “Australian officials currently estimate that about one in 160 children are diagnosed with autism, but findings from two new studies suggest it is much more common.” See this address for more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-07-23/studies-show-increase-in-autism-cases/1364600

Autism is marked by the lack of communication and socialization ability. Autismspectrum.org of Australia defines Autism as follows: “Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are lifelong developmental disabilities characterised by marked difficulties in social interaction, impaired communication, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours and sensory sensitivities.

The word ‘spectrum’ is used because the range and severity of the difficulties people with an ASD experience can vary widely. ASDs include autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder and pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified, which is also known as atypical autism. Sometimes the word “autism” is used to refer to all ASDs.” Visit this site for more: http://www.autismspectrum.org.au/a2i1i1l237l113/what-is-autism.htm

According to the Autism Society of America, it is the world’s fastest growing developmental disability. People on the Autism Spectrum Disorder may exhibit the following behaviors:
-not understand what you say
-appear deaf
-be unable to speak or speak with difficulty
-engage in repetitive behaviors
-act upset for no apparent reason
-appear insensitive to pain
-appear anxious or nervous
-dart away from you unexpectedly
-engage in self-stimulating behaviors (i.e., hand flapping or rocking)

So much research is put into understanding it, but nothing certain as far as what causes it or a cure for it.

In the CNMI, the most recent numbers reported out of our Special Education Program states that of the 918 students with disabilities in the Special Education program, 76 of them are students with Autism.

This is why the Autism Society of the CNMI or ASCNMI, Developmental Disabilities Council or DDC, University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities or UCEDD, The Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems, Incorporated or NMPASI, and The CNMI Special Education Program partner up and cost share to bring to our people more information every April on Autism.

Please support Autism Awareness Month and spread the word about Autism in the CNMI. For more on this please contact me at NMPASI at (670) 235-7273 or 7274, TTY at 7278, Fax at 7275 or online at www.nmpasi.org.

Autism Conferences will be held on Rota, Tinian and Saipan during this Month, so please take part and become aware so that we as a community can include our folks with Autism in all aspects of life here in our beautiful islands.