The Tribune

A FEW decades ago, few knew what autism really was or how it affected children and their families. But as the number of young people diagnosed with a level of the spectrum grew, so did the awareness. And in the Bahamas that was, thanks in no small part to parents who wanted what every dedicated parent wants, the best way forward for their child.

These were the ones who formed the organisation called REACH, or resources and education for autism and related challenges.

Now approaching its 15th anniversary, REACH has not only come into its own – it is attracting the attention of everyone from the governor general to a practising lawyer, the prime minister to the successful businessperson who is no longer afraid of revealing that they have a child with autism or that they adore that child and treasure every moment of interaction.

“It’s been a tough road, but it is getting better. Real progress is being made,” said REACH President Mario Carey, the father of a teenage son with autism. Mr Carey spoke as the activities of a very busy autism month wound up.

From its launch in Rawson Square on April 2, complete with the rare combined presence of the Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Prime Minister Perry Christie, to a fun-run-walk involving hundreds in early May, from a church service at St Barnabas to an Easter egg hunt, from a guest lecture with medical specialist Dr Jeffrey P Brosco, MD to Government House where children with special needs from Blairwood Academy entertained the governor general and Lady Foulkes with song and dance, the month was packed with messages and moments that would become lifelong memories.

“A lot of important people come to Government House,” Sir Arthur told the 25 or so students from Blairwood Academy during their April 14 visit. “The Queen has been here. Prince Harry has been here. Mr Mandela has been here. Today, we have you. You are also very important people and we want you to know that you are loved.”

That kind of respect and tenderness helps pave the way, Mr Carey said, for the public to understand what is now believed to affect one in every 46 boys born. The rate is considerably lower in females, though no one knows why. Though they may be born with very high IQs, children with autism have a harder time socialising and learning because of heightened and often very intense super sensitivities to noise, light, lack of structure and routine, or activity. Specially trained teachers in carefully designed classrooms and a calm atmosphere can help many overcome the stress of just getting through the day.

With as many as 35,000 people in the Bahamas diagnosed with special needs of one type or another, the government last year announced plans to create a special needs complex complete with education, life skills and recreational facilities. Mr Carey was made responsible for finding the land and serves on the committee designing the facility that is slated to open on a sprawling 30-acre site on Gladstone Road in 2015.

“You can succeed,” said Mr Carey, whose son Cole has Asperger’s syndrome, the highest performing type of autism. Cole came home from The Vanguard School in Lake Wales, Florida where he is what Mr Carey calls “a rock star” to sit by his beaming father’s side as the governor general and the prime minister acknowledged the importance of autism month.

Mr Carey’s pride in Cole is just like that of any parent who insists on continually showing photos of their children.

“Look at my son Cole. He’s 6ft 3in, 17 years old and is president of his horseback riding club, active in school and a member of the National Honour Society. You can do it, too. Believe in yourself and don’t give up.”