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PACA sharpens autism focus
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Posted on Feb 22 2001
Members of the Parents Association for Children with Autism are geared up for this Saturday’s workshop on autism at the Joeten Kiyu Conference Room, starting at 8:00am and concluding at 12:00 noon.
Building on the January symposium when more than 50 participants heard presentations on the nature of autism and the state of PSS educational response, this Saturday’s workshop will attempt to clarify the challenges facing parents and care providers, and what practical proposals can be identified to deal with those challenges.
PACA President Frank D. Cabrera said policy makers and program designers are invited to the workshop so that the dialogue with parents and care providers can begin.
In January, mental health officer Adrian Brenn, and pediatrician William Flood pointed out the indefinite state of medical knowledge on the nature of autism. They highlighted the fact that not only are the suspected causes of the autism disorder syndrome many yet unclear but that no single remedy, cure or therapy can be identified as appropriate to all cases.
Most interventions, medical and educational, are designed to target specific behavioral patterns, and only to adapt or modify, but not to cure.
Given the complex nature of the syndrome, the best educational response is a team approach on specific therapies appropriate for each child’s independent educational program.
The panel of special education specialists Julian O’Brien, Merry Kaulpach, Mark Staal, Betty McDonald, and Erika Frink discussed various responses. This team approach poses an incredible burden on the limited resources and personnel of the CNMI public education system.
PACA aims to encourage and equip parents, siblings and relatives to participate proactively in the various therapies that children diagnosed with autism require.
