Alright – so, Sen. Abeler wants to appoint an autism working group. I am not sure what they will need to produce. But according to Abeler, people can apply with his office and he has appointed three people thus far. He did not tell me who those three are. Abeler is the chair of Minnesota Senate for Human Services Reform Finance and Policy Committee. This is being introduced today in his committee and was just announced late last night which is not unusual but not fair either because it does not give autism folks especially parents time to go to the committee.
I wanted to testify but the committee administrator Larissa told they are not taking public testimony which I think is also unfair because if it is a public council then the public should have a chance to speak about it. At any rate, I just sent below email to the chair and committee members. I encourage autism parents and professionals to apply and email it to [email protected].
Dear Mr. Chair and Committee Members,
My name is Idil Abdull and I have a 16-year old son with autism.
First, I would like to thank the chair – Sen. Abeler who has been a friend to the autism community in Minnesota for years before it was hip to be an autism friend.
As you may know, autism is extremely high in the Somali community of Minnesota for reasons unknown because no one has done any research to find out. Autism is 1 in 59 nationwide and 1 in 26 Somali children born in Minnesota. This is insane and unless we find out why and help these kids – there will be insurmountable consequences for our state.
I respectfully ask that you appoint a diverse group from various communities including Somalis, Hispanic, Hmong, Caucasian and Native American autism parents whose children are different ages from toddler to adult to get different views and perspectives. I also hope you appoint various researchers from different universities and entities, not just U of MN, individuals with autism, public teachers, community advocates, ABA therapy providers, speech/OT therapy providers, EIBDI providers as well as someone from DEED, MDE, DHS, MDH and county association.
In other words, it should be a working group that represents and reflects Minnesota autism communities fairly and adequately.
Once again, thanks so much for all that you do for individuals with autism and their families!