In an effort to promote awareness of autism across the country, the association has sought assistance in training and helping parents and those affected by autism to cope with the brain development disorder.

Walcott said they had three of their members trained in the care of autistic children since its inception in March, 2004.

However, the organisation had gone a step further in its endeavours by acquiring the assistance of trained professionals from the Linden Bridge School in England.

Ronwen Smith, head teacher of the 30-year-old Surrey-based institution, and Rachel Watts, deputy headteacher of the school, recently informed the public about their series of workshops over the past week.

Speaking to members of the Press at the headquarters of the Barbados Council of the Disabled at the Garrison Savannah, St Michael, Smith also stressed the importance of early recognition of the disorder, noting the difficulty of handling autism past a certain age.

"We do know in the UK that the earlier that we can diagnose autism, the better, because early intervention is crucial for making sure that a youngster has access to the correct services and that a pattern is set-up in that child's life so that he or she can use structure and can be taught how to behave appropriately," said Smith.

The workshops are intended to help parents identify the challenges in dealing with autism and educate teachers and professionals.

However, Smith reassured that this initial visit and these workshops were just the beginning of a fruitful partnership between the two institutions.

"We feel this is the start of something and we're very confident we are going to get some good work done in Barbados and raise the awareness of autism and the effect it has on the family and the community."

Walcott estimated that 2 000 people in Barbados were autistic. (JM)