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‘A complex and misunderstood disability’
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Posted on Apr 10 2019
The U.S. Center for Disease Control estimates that about 1 in 59 U.S. children has a “complex and not well-understood disability” that affects every ethnic group, country, and socio-economic class. CDC noted that the number pertains to children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
To raise awareness about the issue Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios signed yesterday a proclamation declaring April Autism Awareness Month.
“We want to recognize the agencies and non-government organizations that continue to put a lot of effort into assisting and advocating for members in our community that have autism,” he said, speaking on behalf of the Legislature and Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, who was unable to join the signing due to a scheduling conflicts.
“I also want to recognize the parents of our children who have a different world that they face every day,” he added.
The proclamation happens every year to raise awareness in the community about autism spectrum disorder, said CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities chair and Voices of the CNMI Saipan chapter president Efren S. Nicholas.
Nicholas gave the opening remarks before the proclamation signing yesterday.
The public is invited to participate in the Autism Society of the CNMI’s annual Quiz Night at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan on April 26, 2019, from 6pm to 10pm. Quiz Night raises funds for the Autism Society of the CNMI.
The organization would also be hosting a Hotdog Walk at the Last Command Post on April 28, 2019, from 3pm to 5pm.
