In its ongoing support of students and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and those who work with these students on a daily basis to support and educate children and teenagers with ASD, Bermuda Autism Support & Education (BASE) are pleased to announce that they were able to make donations totaling $1500 to Bermuda’s ASD classrooms.

Each ASD classroom teacher was given a donation of $300 to purchase items to support their students in developing activities that promote student engagement and social-emotional development and well-being.

BASE President, Sherri-Lee Bucci, told ASD classroom teachers: “Our charity values the work you do and the support you provide to families, and we would like to provide you with a token to help support your ASD classroom. We know that there are a number of incidentals that arise, such as ingredients for cooking, art and crafts materials, and other expenses, and we hope that this donation of $300 will help supplement the funding provided by Government.”

Checks were presented to teachers and para-educators in an informal ceremony in front of the Department of Education on Friday, July 11, which also included Mrs. Dorann Simons, the Education Officer responsible for students with special needs.

The Department of Education and the classroom teachers were appreciative of BASE’s generosity and ongoing commitment of support.

According to the National Autistic Society (UK), “Autism is a lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them.”

As a spectrum disorder, it affects different people in a variety of ways, in that it will present itself in unique ways. However, many struggle with difficulty expressing their needs and wants, understanding non-verbal communication, repetitive behaviour, hyper- or hyposensitivity to sensory input, avoiding eye contact or touch, and social interaction, among others challenges.

Currently, it is estimated that 1 in 59 people are affected by Autism. The cause of autism is still unknown. The rate in Bermuda is expected to be comparable to other countries, and the ASD classrooms in Bermuda’s public schools are designed to support those students who are unable to manage in the traditional classroom.

For more information contact BASE President Sherri-Lee Bucci at basebda@yahoo.com.

• Press release from Bermuda Autism Support & Education