AUTISM is a complex developmental disorder that normally appears within the first three years of life. It results from a neurological disorder which affects the functioning of the brain - though scientist are uncertain of the precise cause. There is no known cure.The symptoms of autism can present themselves in various ways - both mild and severe. Typically, children and adults with autism have difficulty with communication and social interaction. An inability to make eye-contact, wave or grasp by 12 months are all signs of an autistic child. A failure to say any words by 16 months is another. Aggressive behaviour is also an occasional symptom. Autism is four times more likely to occur in boys, but the rare autistic girl is almost always the more severe case.

Unfortunately, many doctors will blame these symptoms on slow-development or other non-related conditions. Children with autism can easily go on to live normal and productive lives - but an early diagnosis is important.

Autistic children do not respond well to traditional teaching methods. Many have difficulty with abstractions and require visual aids to learn what normal children can with words.

Autistic children often display an aptitude at mathematics and computers. This gift for numbers - memorably portrayed by Dustin Hoffman in the film Rain Man<$> - has never quite been explained.

In the past, children displaying autistic characteristics were usually diagnosed with schizophrenia and many were institutionalised.

The disorder is estimated to afflict 1 in every 160 people. Although the number of autistic Bermudians is unknown - this rate would extrapolate to well over 100 Bermudians below the age of 18.

“Four years ago we determined there were 25 autistic children in the primary school system alone,” said Tricia Crow of the Bermuda Autism Support & Education (BASE) group.

“The problem in Bermuda is that often parents of autistic children are not aware of the condition. Also, some doctors here are misinformed or else unable to make a proper diagnosis. Autistic children here are often just labelled poorly behaved.”

Even when an important early diagnosis is made, many parents of autistic children in Bermuda have been unable to find necessary treatment on the island.

“The Health Department, under-staffed as it is, has to deal with everything else. A speech therapist who could help an autistic child also has to treat an elderly person who has just had a stroke.

“An autistic child needs at least 20 hours of therapy. That’s just not possible here. Some parents are forced to leave the island all together. Others hire a private therapist, most of whom charge $150 an hour. Not everyone can afford that.”

Mrs. Crow also decried the Department of Education’s handling of autistic students.

“In the United States there are laws which require schools to provide services for autistic children. In Bermuda, there’s no such thing. 20 kids with hearing impairments were recently moved to special classrooms that met their needs. I really can’t see why at least 25 kids with autism can’t have the same. Sadly, most parents are forced to put their children in the public school system and hope for the best.”

BASE can be contacted by e-mail at basebda.at.yahoo.com and anyone wanting more information can contact Tricia Crow on 293-5333