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Group launches info drive on autism
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Posted on Jan 17 2001
The Parents Association for Children with Autism (PACA) of the CNMI has embarked on a four-month series of activities to promote awareness of Autism as a developmental disability.
A launching symposium on Saturday, January 27, 2001 will have parents and children’s care providers discuss what Autism is, and what currently is the educational response in the CNMI.
The symposium will be at the Joeten Kiyu Library Conference Room, from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon, and will feature medical practitioners who will provide information on the diagnostic and medical aspect of Autism.
Educators and related services personnel of the Special Education program of the CNMI will follow with a presentation on the current educational response of the Public School System.
Frank and Vivian Cabrera, parents of a child diagnosed with autism, revealed their frustration when they first encountered the untypical behavior of their son and had no available assistance on island to enlighten them.
Like many parents, they had to educate themselves quickly through information from the Internet. Frank Cabrera presides over the affairs of PACA.
He said, “We are essentially a support group for parents. We seek out parents who may be bewildered by their child’s behavior and are unable to locate assistance. We hope to be a constructive advocacy group not only for children with autism but also for all who suffer from developmental disabilities.”
The first symposium in January targets parents and front line care providers (those who directly work with children). A second symposium slated for Saturday, February 24, 2001 will add policy makers and program designers.
Both symposium hope to generate practical proposals to identified issues which will be addressed by Task Forces in March. April will be declared Autism Awareness Month which will highlight an exhibit on the World of the Child with autism.
