The Tribune

AUTISM appears to be one of the “fastest growing” developmental disabilities affecting Bahamian children, according to Marcia Newball, executive director of REACH, an autism awareness charity.

“We currently guess (at the size of the issue) based on the number of parents that we see here at REACH, but we don’t know for sure. However, we believe that autism is the fastest-growing serious development disability in The Bahamas,” Mrs Newball said at a recent cheque presentation ceremony to the charity to assist with its public education programmes.

Recognising the importance of the Autism Awareness Programme organised and managed by REACH Bahamas, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank donated $5,000 to help advance the efforts of the local autism-awareness non-profit organisation.

Managing director at CIBC FirstCaribbean, Marie Rodland-Allen, said the bank recognises the increased prevalence of autism in the Bahamian community and made the donation to help REACH in its ongoing efforts to assist families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

“We understand that it is very important to educate parents and the community on how to manage this condition and help parents by supporting an organisation that makes life easier for their children and their families.”

REACH has promoted awareness and education about autism for the past 18 years, while providing free services and resources for families with affected children. It also provides parents with comprehensive knowledge and tools in all areas of autism, a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime.

Mrs Newball expressed her appreciation for the bank’s support. “We were thrilled when we found out that CIBC FirstCaribbean would provide us with this donation. The services and resources we offer autistic families are costly. Our organisation and the parents that we assist need all the support we can get.”

According to the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, ASD affects one in every 68 children. Mrs Newball said that statistics for people diagnosed with autism in The Bahamas are not available with any degree of certainty, although the Commission for Disabilities has started to track autism as a separate category, as have some schools.

Llakel Pratt, administrative co-ordinator at CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Harbour Bay Branch, is the parent of an autistic child and a volunteer at REACH. “Many of our kids can’t express themselves in a typical way and as a result, don’t have a voice,” he said.

“I was overwhelmed by the bank’s donation because as a parent of a 17-year-old son with autism, I know how hard it is for our kids to fit in and I see and feel the difference that REACH is making in our community. It feels good to work for a company that is showing us that it cares.”