Autism according to a former governor...

Autism, a developmental disorder that afflicts one out of ninety-
five children nationwide, captivates doctors, researchers, teachers, parents, and children all over the globe not only because of the mystery clouding the disorder (causes, symptoms, or the differentiation of one type of autism with another) but also because of the increasing figure of people being affected by the disorder.
In "Autism in the CNMI" (Homeland, January- February 2008), Juan Nekai Babauta reports on research into ways of dealing with autism in the Northern Mariana Islands. However, before Mr. Babauta offers suggestions on how to deal with this disability, he describes what autism is, its symptoms, and its causes; illustrates the severity of it in the Commonwealth; states the procedures in detecting autism and the medical or educational assistance available to the public for people with developmental disabilities; and discuss on how autism affects not only the child but also the people whom he lives with at home.
Although the exact description of autism is not quit yet clear, studies have shown that this developmental disorder can be sorted into five main categories: Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Disorder -not otherwise specified (PD-NOS), Rett Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Also, an investigation conducted by the Mayo Clinic Foundation for Medical Education and Research shows that the detection of this disorder can be made even before the child turns three years of age. Even though children with special needs maybe delayed in social development, speech development, or emotional development; Research implies that autistic children may be socially active later on in life and may learn new skills while others may have the same problems within the three developments. While a majority of society believes that the main cause of autism is through the excessive usage of vaccines and mercury, Dr. Jepson of "Changing the Course of Autism" demonstrates that the disorder came about through some form of disease in the metabolism affecting other systems of the body.
In addition to the description of autism, its symptoms, and its causes; Mr. Babauta illustrates the severity of it in the CNMI, states the procedures in detecting autism and, informs about the medical or educational assistance available to the public with developmental disabilities. He deals on the fact that there is very little information available out there about the exact amount of people with special needs. Thus, it presents a challenge to the entire community most particularly in the educational sector for there is shortage of programs available for children diagnosed with autism. People with autistic spectrum disorders need a medical diagnosis to get appropriate medical help, access to therapies and special education. The journey to a diagnosis can begin in several different ways, but for most it starts in the office of a pediatrician or general practitioner. For other, a mental health practitioner (counselor, social worker, psychiatrist, or psychologist) is the first person contacted. A daycare worker, a teacher, or other school personnel refer some children for help. Finally, in the U.S., federal law mandates that all children receive a free and appropriate education, regardless of disability which means providing, free of charge, special education programs, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychiatric services, augmentative communication techniques and devices, and other interventions as needed to help each child learn.
Lastly, the article discusses on how autism affects not only the child with a disability but also the people whom he lives with; Mr. Babauta also reports what laws regards to autism and suggestions on dealing with the disorder. Mr. Babauta not only describes the severity of this illness but also shows what science and the government has done about this phenomenon. Research has been allocated to investigate the root, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of people that falls under the spectrum. While there has been ongoing research about the disorder, Congress has approved the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) into law. IDEA 2004 not only tracks the rate of people diagnosed of autism but also allows students with special needs to be with other non- autistic children. After two years, President Bush signs the Combating Autism Act of 2006, which accelerates the investigation of autism.
In conclusion, autism has captivated the whole world not only because of the increasing number of people being affected by the disease but also because of its complexity and variety from one child diagnosed of autism to another.