Premier Marks World Autism Awareness Day
Premier Paula Cox today [Apr.1] proclaimed World Autism Awareness Day in Bermuda in a special ceremony on the steps of City Hall, Hamilton.
Bermuda joined autism communities around the world in celebrating the fourth annual World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) – an event established by the United Nations in 2008 that aims to bring the world’s attention to autism, an incurable neurological and developmental disorder that affects an estimated 35 million people worldwide.
The event, which featured performances by Prospect Primary School, marked the beginning of Autism Awareness Month in Bermuda and coincides with the 10th anniversary of Bermuda Autism Support & Education (BASE). The organisation was formed in 2001 to raise awareness of autism and provide support for families, educators and professionals.
Reading from the official UN proclamation, the Premier said that autism around the world is growing and affects as many as 1 in 150 people with a child is diagnosed with autism every 20 minutes. She said the economic impact of the lifelong disorder was “enormous” in terms of care and treatment, with the bulk of costs coming in adulthood.
She said: “The aims for World Autism Awareness Day are to inform the general public about the global health crisis of autism, stress the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention, and to celebrate the unique talents and qualities of individuals with autism.”
BASE consultant Susannah Cole said that WAAD and Autism Awareness Month were an opportunity to “deepen our understanding and acceptance of autism and to celebrate the hard work and dedication of families and professionals who support individuals with autism spectrum disorders”.
She said: “Autism awareness stories in the media largely focus on children with autism, but people with autism are children, teenagers, adults, men, women, scientists, engineers and the unemployed. People with autism have their unique sets of strengths and weaknesses, and they also have incredible potential.
“As BASE celebrates its 10th Anniversary, it is actively fulfilling its mission to increase public awareness of autism and help to ensure that individuals on the autism spectrum are given opportunities and resources to achieve their full potential.”
BASE also announced yesterday that with the generous support of reinsurance company Allied World and The Bank of Bermuda Foundation, it will be able to provide an opportunity for children with autism to attend summer camp this year alongside their peers. In partnership with Child and Adolescent Services and WindReach, it means that a safe and enjoyable summer camp experience will finally be accessible to children with autism.
Video of the the Town Crier’s opening, and the Prospect Primary School Choir:
Video of statements by Premier Paula Cox and BASE Consultant Susannah Cole:
Hello Ms. Cox? Hello? Is there anyone here? Yes, this is nice and all but let’s look at priorities please. We have RAMPANT GUN CRIME IN BERMUDA. Hello, guns are not supposed to be in Bermuda. Let’s tackle problems and leave this other stuff for when we have time. I know, I know, you are all gonna write in here that I am callous and harsh and heartless. Bring it on. The problem is right there in front of your faces and you want to sugar coat the world. Please!
Ok, I agree that we have a problem with violence in Bermuda. I think about the families and children that are faced with this every day, especially when it’s right on the front page of newspapers. It’s nice to see something positive in the news. I bet everyone who attended this event walked away feeling the same way.
Thank you Joe like it is “business as usual for the POLITRICKSTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We need to organise a march throughout hamilton to force MP’s to hear our PLIGHT!!
Why are has no one report that a PRISONER was taken to king Edward for an OVERDOSE??????
You have to remember premier cox has said she is only a cog in the wheel……she is not a leader…and this lady should never have been appointed as leader of this Island……you have to recall that she allowed Doc Brown to spend on what ever he wanted to to do……and she signed off on all his ridiculous expenditures… and know we have her trying to explain why we are in the mess we are in…… it is her fault people…she is worse than brown.
Unfortunately, joe, families with a child with autism don’t have the choice of”leaving this other stuff until we have time”. If you thought about it for a few seconds, you might realise what a ridiculous comment that is. Your comments display not just a lack of thought and common sense, but a lack of compassion to people, many of the chikdren, who could use some understanding. You might also try actually reading the article from start to finish if you have 90 seconds spare. You will see that the government is not paying a penny for the summer program announced. So your point is, actually, pointless. Frankly joe, your thoughtless comments are sickening.