At least three children each year born in Bermuda will be diagnosed with autism — prompting more teachers and parents to learn to deal with the special needs group.

More than 40 "eager" educators, parents and other allied health professionals took part in a workshop at Bermuda College run by autism intervention charity Tomorrow's Voices.

The two-hour workshop was approved by the Bermuda Educator's Council and gave attendees tools and knowledge to use in their own homes and classrooms.

One session attendee felt the seminar offered "practical ideas that can be used in the classroom setting".

Another said: "I will use it with all my students whether they are disabled or not."

Autism is generally diagnosed in children under three-years-old after they encounter problems with social interaction, language and behaviour.

These social skill issues can result in loneliness, depression and isolation and can manifest itself through a range of behaviours such as poor eye contact and loosing the ability to speak or construct sentences.

Autism cases continue to rise internationally and the latest statistics from the Autism Society of America say one in every 110 children are born with it.

Kimberly Mills, Director of Tomorrow's Voices, said it was critical for children with disabilities to develop an "effective social skill repertoire".

"When youth with disabilities have an effective social skill inventory the result is improved learning and meaningful relationships with those in their peer groups, families and the larger community," she added.

Tomorrow's Voices will also be launching a Saturday Social Skills Group beginning in January, which runs on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

It is open to young people aged six to 17 and will give them four hours of active social skills instruction, as well as activities aimed at stimulating and teaching for a nominal fee.

The charity decided to launch the group after receiving numerous calls from the community to help teachers and parents with the social skill development of young people.

If you are interested in enrolling your child into the Saturday Social Skills Group, please contact Dr Kimberly Mills at kmills@tomorrowsvoices.bm or 297 4342.