Last week, the President of the Autism Foundation Aruba (FAA), Carolina Thiel-Span, had a very important meeting with the government. Present at this meeting were the Minister of Public Health and Tourism, Dangui Oduber, and the Minister of Justice and Social Affairs, Rocco Tjon.
During this afternoon, the National Autism Commission, established a few years ago, was reinstated with important changes, and its presidency was assigned to the FAA.
The National Autism Commission includes various professionals, including those from the health and social sectors, who will create a national management plan for the well-being of the autistic community.
During this meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized that it is estimated that Aruba has between 3000 to 5000 people with autism. The government will work on a national plan together with FAA. The foundation recently participated in an international forum titled “Call to Action” at the United Nations in New York, aimed at advocating for a better future for autistic individuals in Aruba. This trip yielded good results, and ensured that the FAA now has more and better contacts and collaboration with international stakeholders.
