A family with a young autistic son held a fundraising event to help raise money for his daycare facility and an educational charity for those on the autism spectrum.

Ashley Aguiar helped to organise Bounce Day for Acceptance to support the Building On Our Knowledge (Book) Daycare attended by her three-year-old son, Carter Philpott, as well as the autism charity Bermuda Autism Support and Education, which has assisted the family.

The event at the Smith’s daycare included bouncy castles, music and food for the children, and sensory toys that they could enjoy and take home.

Ms Aguiar told The Royal Gazette: “I thought this was a fun way to give back to Base, which has really helped our family.

“We have had a few hiccups in the education system when it comes to autism, kids not being accepted or not having the tools. This daycare has been phenomenal in accepting and accommodating him but I know they can’t do it for everybody.

“They accommodate him more than we could ask for.

“There is a gap in services from the nursery to age 4. He should be going into the Growing Connections programme in September [Base] at the age of 4.

“It is a fun day for the kids and a way to give back.”

Calvin Philpott, Carter’s father, added: “They give Carter love, attention and acceptance. Sometimes that is all that is needed.”

Book Daycare does not have staff trained in autism interventions but Lorena Richards, the owner, said they make a special effort to make sure that Carter’s needs are met.

She said: “We really go by the kids’ interests, we try to make them all happy and comfortable.

“We always have things out for them to engage them, sensory toys that catch their attention, anything that helps them to regulate and if they are overstimulated they can go there.

“We love all the kids and we want to make them happy. Carter does need extra attention but we work with him, none of us have any autism training but we are learning as we go.

“They [Carter’s family] are very happy, they love how well we care for him. Carter loves to come to school and we look forward to seeing him every day.”