The father of an autistic entrepreneur has offered advice on how best to aid and interact with people affected by the condition.

Anthony Peets, whose son is Ahmani Peets, the owner of Ahmani’s Cookie Company, made posts on social media with the aim of raising awareness about autism.

With Autism Awareness Month taking place through April, Mr Peets addressed specific groups including managers, employees, police and first responders.

He highlighted how certain behaviours can be misconstrued and how far a little understanding and assistance can go towards creating a more inclusive society.

Mr Peets told The Royal Gazette: “We have lots of ways to go as organisations — if they wish, they can get awareness training at no cost, I am available.

“BermudAir now has Autism Double-Checked [a travel industry based autism awareness programme] in place but I venture to say pretty accurately that they are the only business that has had their entire staff go through such an awareness programme, and implementing things so that a family can have needed accommodations.

“There are a variety of challenges that exist worldwide, not just in Bermuda. If you meet one person on the spectrum, you just have met that one person.

“It is important to have compassion and understanding, and that you can interact with others in a way that is accommodating.

“Using signage [in stores] and having technology to communicate is also useful. There are lots of assistive tech devices.”

His son added: “Some people do not know how to react to a person on the spectrum. Some [on the spectrum] might not answer you right away as they need time to process and they might not look at you. Some people get annoyed at that.

“Many [on the spectrum] might not understand the language you use because many people use analogies and idioms. I ask people to say exactly what they mean.

“Be kind, do not be in a rush with those on the spectrum. If you see something that might not sound or look typical, well, it could be autism.

“Have understanding and compassion. What if you were on the spectrum? How would you like to be treated?”

Ahmani had autism diagnosed in 2004. While the assessment that was not available to him on the island back then now is, his father said more can still be done locally.

He said that insurance coverage should be offered by every provider for consistent therapy, adding that 30 hours a week during the early diagnosis was recommended.

In his social media posts, Mr Peets wrote: “We have hundreds on the autism spectrum that enter your place of business.

“The following can and does occur: no eye contact potentially when speaking; use of a phone or assistive technology to communicate. Kindly accept this as best effort to thrive; headphones on to block out sound deemed uncomfortable by them [do not interpret as bad manners … please].

“Do not put your hands on us at all though if to keep from harm, l do not know many who would not be thankful.

“Scripting — you can hear words and they are not shared in the context at times of the situation. A script is something memorised, at times a script might fit a situation perfectly.

“Aggressive voice tones are best not used at all.

“Ensure visuals are given. Put signs up indicating where things are. Some grocery stores have zero signage on the aisles. Approaching others can create high anxiety so the signage helps.

“Touching things [all of us truly do] or maybe shaking a box, seeking sensory feedback.

“Customers, you might see a few things with sensory overload. It is not rudeness, or tantrums. Many a parent is doing their best with this diagnosis that is truly explosive.

“Thanks for your kindness. Need any levels of training? No charge, we can share.”

His son, who celebrates his 23rd birthday today, recently shared his six-year baking journey with an audience at Hamilton Rotary Club.

He said his business had helped him to become self-sufficient and feel empowered.

He told guests at the time: “l’ve seen videos of how l was — spinning, not talking, being by myself and full of anxiety.

“I now visit corporate offices and schools, sharing my journey with autism and the importance of early intervention, and all people knowing how they can interact with each other …

“It is important for people to include autistic individuals in activities and understand it is a spectrum.”

He was awarded a certificate of recognition for his business, which sells baked goods at 18 locations across Bermuda and which are shipped to 44 countries around the world.

A number of events are planned to mark Autism Awareness Month during April.

Tomorrow’s Voices, an autism early intervention centre, is providing fundraising opportunities while raising awareness about autism in the community.

• For more information about Autism Awareness Month and for educational material about the condition, visittomorrowsvoices.bm