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Training set for parents of kids with autism
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Posted on Jun 10 2004
A free training for parents of children with autism in the CNMI will be conducted this Saturday on Saipan.
Training coordinator Julie Sarich said the workshop will be sponsored for the first time this year by the Public School System special education program.
“It’s free. We’re calling on parents, guardians, and community members to take advantage of this opportunity. Please come and attend the workshop,” said Sarich.
She said the presenters include Dr. Laurie Sperry and Ron Faulkner, who will be discussing services available to people with autism and their families.
The training begins at 9am to 3pm, June 12, at the Star-Po Center (behind Jollibee in Chalan Kanoa, Saipan).
Sarich said interested participants can call 664-3990 for registration.
The seminar aims to identify the importance of parents as teachers and identify the importance of home teaching.
The participants would be taught the beginning steps of home teaching. They would learn how structured teaching goes across all areas of teaching and everyday life, she said.
Other items on the agenda include hands-on construction of materials appropriate to home teaching. Participants are encouraged to bring materials they can use during the hands-on session. These may include things to sort out, count, match (poker chips, clothespins, golf tees, picture cards, beads, etc.), containers (shoeboxes, ice cream, yogurt, margarine, coffee cans, Tupperware, etc.), and toys and books to adapt.
In relation, Sarich said that PSS-SPED will hold a five-day training for teachers at William S. Reyes School next week. “It’s for SPED teachers this time,” she said.
Recent statistics show that 1 out of 600 persons in the U.S. experiences some form of what is now formally known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, sending an alarming note to authorities that the condition has reached epidemic proportions.
The PSS-PSE has created the Autism Center in San Vicente Elementary School and the Parent-Teacher Center in Chalan Kanoa to offer help to children with autism and their families.
Authorities said that early intervention works in addressing autism.
