Henderson started a support group for parents of similarly affected children, and it continued for some time.

The new name of the group, which is preparing to become a registered charity, is the Bermuda Autism Support and Education Society (BASE), and it meets at 7.30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at the Reading Clinic on Serpentine Road.

With the recent diagnosis of "at least nine or ten autistic children between ages three and six'', Tricia Crow, herself the mother of three autistic children, is among a group of similarly affected parents, including Mrs.

Henderson, who have decided to revive and expand the original support group's scope.

"We want to take BASE to the next level, and make it a lot more of a support, educational, advocative and information group,'' Mrs. Crow explains.

Instead of being just for parents, however, BASE welcomes anyone whose life is touched by autism in some form, including professionals such as doctors, therapists, teachers and teacher's aides.

"Bermuda, as we have found out, has very, very little knowledge about autism, and very little support because of that lack of knowledge,'' Mrs. Crow says.

"Autism isn't really recognised as a major problem on the Island. Therefore you get one and a half hours of service instead of twenty or thirty per week.'' BASE also wants the Department of Education to become more involved.

"We need them to understand the needs of these children and help us,'' Mrs.

Crow says. "Our children's potential is so high, but it can only be seen through what we give them. They need so much more support, and they can go on to lead `neurotypical' lives.'' Once BASE becomes a registered charity, it will fund-raise to bring world-renowned authorities to the Island to educate parents and others on autism, and also acquire a library of related books to further help them.

To foster interest in this neurobiological condition, BASE has brought in special Autism Awareness ribbons which they are selling for a $3 donation. The ribbon's distinctive, multi-coloured puzzle pattern reflects the mystery and complexity of autism and Asperger's Syndrome, which is a milder form of the condition.

BASE's fund raising campaign Its different colours and shapes represent the diversity of the people and families living with autism; its brightness signals hope that through research the causes and effective ways of training, educating and offering meaningful support can soon be identified; and the heart in the middle symbolises love for autistic people.

The ribbons are being sold by word of mouth, and are also available at the Face & Body Shop, Centre Re and Secrets, as well as at Edgewood Paediatric Services. Proceeds will support Island-wide parent information, education and advocacy. Otherwise, contact these members: Mrs. Henderson 234-3651, Alison Dyer 292-1115 or Mrs. Crow 293-5333 or e-mail: trishcrow ynorthrock.bm "We hope that when people see the ribbons they will want to learn more about autism and also help,'' Mrs. Crow says.

Officers on BASE's board are: Mrs. Crow (President), Paul Lambert (Vice-president), Debbie Larcher (Treasurer) Wendy Emery (Secretary), Deborah Smith (Membership) and Thea Furbert (Media/Public Relations).

For further information on BASE contact Mrs. Crow 293-5333, or Mr. Lambert 238-3633.