An insurance company has stepped in with a sizeable donation after a Government Budget mistake turned into a disappointment for one charity.

Allied World Assurance Company yesterday announced it would give $20,000 to Bermuda Autism Support and Education (BASE) less than 48 hours after Government admitted it had mistakenly offered a grant in that amount to the charity.

The Government stipend will instead be given to autism support group Tomorrow's Voices. Government has supported the charity for the past few years.

"Allied World was very moved by BASE's unfortunate predicament and we are delighted to be able to help," said Tracey Gibbons, chairperson of Allied World's charity committee. "The present economic climate is making it increasingly difficult for charities to raise funds, even those that perform such a critical and worthwhile social need as BASE. Parents and families of autistic children face tremendous financial, physical and emotional stress and we wholeheartedly support BASE's continued efforts to provide free treatment and help where it is needed most."

Acting Health Minister Zane DeSilva publicly announced Government would provide BASE with the $20,000 grant at an event highlighting World Autism Day last Thursday. Days later, the charity was informed no such assistance was coming. On Tuesday, Permanent Health Secretary Warren Jones released a statement explaining Tomorrow's Voices would get the money.

He explained the confusion arose after BASE and Tomorrow's Voices separated in 2008 and the information had not been amended.

BASE president Jenny Purvey said the donation would greatly assist its efforts to offer free therapy services for those affected by autism.

"We cannot thank Allied World enough for this generous and unexpected gesture," she said. "Everyone at BASE was very disappointed and disheartened after learning of the Ministry's unfortunate mistake two days ago but now we are reassured that our efforts are valued. We continue to need funds on an ongoing basis — the lifetime cost of caring for an autistic child can be as high as $5 million — and we would urge the public to support our fund-raising efforts during April's Autism Awareness Month."

On April 23 BASE will hold its annual denim day. On April 30 the group host a panel 'Let's Talk About Autism'.

In addition the Bermuda National Gallery will be hosting a visit by autistic artistic savant, Stephen Wiltshire, from May 17 to May 23. It will also hold a fundraising dinner with part proceeds going to BASE.

Autism is a complex developmental disease which affects communication and cognition in those affected. Up to one in every 91 births worldwide will be affected by autism.