The Tribune

WITH April designated as Autism Awareness Month, Bahamas Waste joined forces with a non-governmental, local advocacy organisation facility for autism treatment - REACH - in an effort to sensitise more Bahamians to the impact of an autism diagnosis.

Already, Bahamas Waste has created customised trucks to support the Bahamas Humane Society, Bahamas National Trust and cancer groups and this month the company jumped at the opportunity to create a truck to commemorate Autism Awareness Month.

“Every now and then, a cause really comes up and touches you and just moves you,” said Bahamas Waste managing director Francisco De Cardenas.

“We’ve been working along with some great people on this and whenever there is a really worthwhile cause like this we want to help bring awareness to it. It’s truly affecting so many of us now.”

The truck was unveiled on Tuesday at the Office of the Prime Minister. It features touching photos of local Bahamian children who have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum and their proud parents, bringing a very human element to the campaign.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to expose the people of the country to people who are on the autism spectrum,” said Paula-Maria Hospedales, whose son appears on the truck with his father and is a member of the Autism Committee.

“There are so many parents who can’t afford the therapy for their autistic children - if it is in fact available. So, it is important that we all become spokespersons for people on the spectrum and help each other accept and help our children.”

Since 1999, REACH Bahamas has led the way in working to provide the kind of support local families need and has worked closely with other organisations and churches to support the autism community in ensuring the best quality of life for impacted families. To learn more about autism contact them at reachbahamas.org or 328-4123.