BASE Autism Awareness Month Events
Bermuda Autism Support & Education [BASE] has organized several events throughout the month, beginning with the World Autism Awareness Day Proclamation.
This event will be held on the steps of City Hall, Hamilton, on Monday, April 9th, beginning at 12pm, and includes the reading of the proclamation by Minister of Health Kim Wilson as well as musical performances by special guests.
BASE said, “In addition, BASE is pleased to welcome Kerry Magro as their special guest speaker. Diagnosed at age 4 with autism, Kerry has become a professional speaker, best-selling author, movie consultant and is the founder of KFM Making a difference, a non-profit organization that focuses on autism awareness, disability housing and providing scholarships for students on the autism spectrum.
“He will also be presenting at a very special reception at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute on Tuesday, April 24th. During the talk and question and answer, Kerry will speak on “Defining Autism: From Non-verbal to Professional Speaker”.
“Doors open at 5:30pm and include a light reception. Tickets cost $25 for BASE members and $35 for non-members and are available by contacting BASE President, Anthony Peets, at basebda@yahoo.net or online through Ptix.bm.”
BASE President Anthony Peets shared: “The visit of Kerry Magro will be an opportunity for parents and practitioners to hear first hand the relentless efforts and supports that are needed to be in place for one on the Autism Spectrum. Kerry was non-verbal and is now a University graduate who speaks all over the world. We thank all in advance who will come and hear his poignant life story.”
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, and avoiding eye contact or touch, amongst others.
Currently, it is estimated that 1 in 68 people are affected by Autism, with boys being most likely to be affected. The cause of autism is still unknown.
For more information on autism or these events, please contact BASE President Anthony Peets at basebda@yahoo.com or BASE Public Relations Officer Sara Westhead at bermudachinagirl@gmail.com, or visit www.bermudaautism.bm.
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