Teachers and principals dealing with autistic children can now get free support to deal with behavioural issues inside the classroom.

Bermuda Autism Support and Education (BASE) have hired a new behaviour consultant, Donna Erickson Kuzloski, to educate professionals working with autistic children. She will also give advice to Ministry of Health professionals and is available for in-home consultations for BASE membership families.

Above all Mrs. Erickson Kuzloski will be the point of contact for advice, suggestions and guidance for newly diagnosed children. She will visit families and educate them about autism, the various therapies and services available on the Island and what parents can do themselves.

According to BASE President Jenny Purvey, Mrs. Erickson Kuzloski is well qualified to provide assistance to community. Mrs Purvey explained: "(Donna) has a Masters in Education, specialising in Inclusive Early Childhood, from Hofstra University and has completed the Behaviour Analyst Board Certification Program at Stony Brook University."

"She has worked as an Early Intervention Special Educator, has developed functional behavioural assessments and has developed curriculum for learners using methodologies including ABA, RDI (Relationship Development Intervention), Sensory Integration and PECS (Picture Exchange Communications System). Donna's previous experience will be an asset to her new position with BASE."

Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that usually appears during the first three years of life. The main symptoms include deficits, in varying degrees, in social behaviour, communications and play. Approximately one in 91 children have some form of autism, however boys are four times more likely than girls to have it. The cause of autism is unknown, and the disorder knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries.

For more information on BASE visit www.bermudaautism.org.