The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman (SNFC) recently celebrated World Autism Awareness Day in an effort to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder. Around the world, businesses and well-known landmarks ‘lit it up blue’ in April observing Autism Awareness month.

Cayman was no exception with the Camana Bay Town Centre being ‘lit up blue’ during for the first week of April. The SNFC also had a booth set up on April 2nd to share information with the community.

Susie Bodden, Executive Leader of the SNFC said their main objective for the day was to spread the word about autism spectrum disorder and make people more aware of this disease. “It’s so important that, as a community, we recognize the symptoms of autism at an early stage because early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes,” Ms Bodden said. “Many children still remain undiagnosed, so by educating the community, we can make efforts to change this, as well as the stigma that surrounds autism.”

The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman also encouraged schools and local businesses to participate in the campaign by wearing blue to school or work and donating to the Foundation. “The donations from schools and participating businesses are greatly appreciated and allows us to continue offering services to families with children with special needs,” Ms Bodden said.

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. It is estimated that 1 percent of the world’s population is affected by autism, or 70 million people. A new case of autism is diagnosed every 15 minutes, affecting four times as many boys as girls.

The Special Needs Foundation of Cayman is a charitable, not-for-profit organisation providing support, information and education to families with children having special needs. In addition to autism, SNFC also focuses on special needs such as downs syndrome, learning disorders, ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, gifted learners and Asperger’s syndrome.

To become a member, volunteer or donate to the Special Needs Foundation of Cayman, visit www.specialneedsfoundation.ky, www.facebook.com/SNFCayman or call 321-2957. For more information on WAAD visit www.lightitupblue.org.

Photo Caption: Susie Bodden, Lynn Walsh and Shannon Seymour at the SNFC booth in Camana Bay on April 2nd.