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Psychologist urges autism commission for NMI
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Posted on Sep 13 2008
A private psychologist has called for passage of legislation creating a temporary commission to aid people with autism spectrum disorders.
A bill establishing a Commonwealth Autism Commission is before the House of Representatives for consideration.
Adrian C. Brenn, a licensed clinical psychologist and president of Pacific Clinical Consulting, said the bill “will provide critical support for families dealing with autism spectrum disorders, all of whom struggle to obtain basic services as well as proven and effective interventions for their children.”
The autism commission, proposed in the bill sponsored by Rep. Heinz Hofschneider, would develop a state plan for services for people with autism. These services include providing state-of-the-art clinical services, increasing capacity for services through training, increasing awareness about autism in the professional community and public, and conducting research aimed at improving the lives of people with autism and their families.
In the 2007-2008 school year, the Public School System had 58 students enrolled with autism from ages three to 21.
Brenn, who has worked with children with autism for over 12 years in the CNMI, said the Commonwealth’s lack of basic services could hinder the progress of some children with autism.
“Most children with autism spectrum disorder can respond very well to intensive intervention, some children progressing to the point where they no longer require special assistance or special education. However, the CNMI lacks many of the basic services, and personnel to provide those services, for these interventions,” said Brenn.
“Given the limited availability of skilled personnel and resources in the CNMI, and our isolated location, the need for a coordinated plan to build contacts with providers or trainers and to overcome the major limitations in CNMI services for those dealing with autism spectrum disorders is extremely important,” he added.
