Leading teacher, author and consultant to visit for World Autism Day

Bermuda will join autism communities around the world in celebrating the fourth annual WAAD that was established following a 2007 United Nations resolution, a press statement said.

It is one of only three official condition-specific United Nations Days and aims to bring the world’s attention to autism, a neurological and developmental disorder that affects tens of millions.

The event will also mark the beginning of Autism Awareness Month in Bermuda and coincides with the 10th anniversary of Bermuda Autism Support & Education (BASE).

The organization was formed in 2001 to raise awareness of autism and provide support for families, educators and professionals.

The statement said: “World Autism Awareness Day shines a light on autism as a growing global health crisis.

“The cause of autism is unknown and it is estimated that about one in 110 children have some form of autism.

“WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and provide information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention.

“Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.”

As part of Autism Awareness Month, BASE is bringing in leading autism teacher, consultant and author Dr. Paula Kluth for a special one-day workshop.

The workshop will be held at Mount St Agnes Academy on April 16 from 9am to 4pm and costs $35.

Participants can register online at www.bermudaautism.org/events/ and the first 35 people to register will receive a free copy of Dr. Kluth’s book, You’re Going to Love This Kid!

BASE has also re-launched its website.

BASE consultant Susannah Cole said: “Our site is now a comprehensive online clearing house of resources for people with autism as well as parents, professionals and educators.”