New Autism Centre Expected To Bring Hope To The Community

ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, October 30th, 2012 - The opening of the Autism Centre marks a continued effort to address the needs of persons with autism in the Territory, thus enabling them to lead to a more independent life.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton said at the opening of the ceremony,”The opening of this Autism Centre today signals hope. It signals hope for those parents who have been calling on the Government to do something to address the needs of the growing population of those with autism.”

In his remarks, Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn stated, “The autism programme supports this Government’s education agenda, especially as it relates to the differently abled population in our community.”

Honourable Walwyn added, “Out of this programme we anticipate that it will result in a greater awareness in schools, with parents, and in the community on autism. Through the programme, local education officials have developed assessment skills to ensure early recognition of autism and appropriate intervention to meet the needs of the individual child. This early intervention will be the key to independence in adulthood.”

In her address at the ceremony, Programme Director, Ms. Lorna Dawson stated, “To date we have seen over 25 children. Not all of them will be diagnosed with autism. People have been concerned about what is happening with their children and we now have a team on the ground that has the skills to provide that initial assessment.”

The intervention team which includes special education teachers, the speech and language pathologist and other education officials have been trained to assess children, identify their emerging skills and to create individual learning plans.

Ms. Donna Clarke, Project Manager of The Maria Holder Memorial Trust in Barbados, and Mrs. Susan Williams, Project Manager, Kingwood Trust in the United Kingdom also gave remarks during the ceremony.  They both pledged their continued support for the autism programme.

On April 24, 2012 the Government of the Virgin Islands signed two contracts with both institutions, first with The Maria Holder Memorial Trust which has pledged $381,629 to assist in the development of the programme and with Kingwood Trust to provide technical assistance for the programme for 18 months.

The Autism Centre is located at the second floor of the Rainbow Children’s Home. The Centre is designed to facilitate the learning needs of adults and children, with autism, many of whom have severe challenges with communication skills.  The programme will cater to persons by engaging them in activities as part of person-centered planning developed to help improve their quality of life and increase their independence.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that normally appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide leadership that promotes health, social wellbeing, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development of the Territory.

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