A new website has been launched by Bermuda Autism Support and Education (BASE) to help families and promote awareness about the disorder.

Visitors to the website www.bermudaautism.org will find common autism symptoms and information about the services available in Bermuda, copies of BASE newsletters and a calendar of upcoming workshops and events. The site also allows for online donations and membership renewals.

BASE president Jenny Purvey said: "This website has been a long-term goal for BASE and I'm delighted that it is finally a reality. Raising children with autism leave families with precious little time to remain current on new medical and therapeutic developments about this disorder.

"This website provides them, and the entire community, the flexibility to keep abreast on autism and any services for their children whenever their busy schedule provides them with an opportunity."

She added: "I would also like to thank the families who allowed us to use pictures of their children on the site and to the entire community for their continued support of BASE; without it this website would not be possible."

Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that usually appears during the first three years of life. The core symptoms consist of deficits, in varying degrees, in social behaviour, communications and play or preferred activities.

The cause of autism is unknown and it is estimated that about one in 150 children have some form of autism. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.