Raising Awareness on ASDs

Caption: Uniting for the cause: Republic Bank's Branch Sales Manager, Arima Branch, Debra Carrington (second from left) engages the attention of Public Affairs Officer of the Embassy of the United States in T&T, Alex McLaren (on left), Autism Education Specialist, Kari Dunn Buron (second from right) and Teresina Sieunarine, President of T&T, at the launch of the Autism Awareness Month held at the Society Headquarters in D'abadie last Wednesday.

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, April 8, 2014: Autism (sometimes called "classical autism") is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism affects one in 88 children in the world. The disorder may manifest itself in the first three years of a child's life, with males being four times more likely to have autism than females. These were some of the statistics shared before a large audience, at the launch of the Autism Awareness Campaign, held on April 2, at the headquarters of the Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ASTT) in D'Abadie.

Echoing the sentiments of UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, Acting Prime Minister, the Honourable Errol Mc Leod stated that the Launch was in fact a call to action.  "Every child has the right to enjoy fundamental freedom and I must say that I commend Republic Bank for partnering with the Society, to ensure that every child with Autism enjoys a full life..." he  said while challenging other corporate bodies to lend their assistance to the cause.

For the 6th consecutive year, Republic Bank will partner with the Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago, to help raise public awareness on this disorder.

Delivering greetings on behalf of Republic Bank Limited, Branch Sales Manager, Arima Branch, Debra Carrington, emphasized the importance of partnering with the Society to help make a positive difference in the lives of children with the disorder.

 "It is not about just taking care of an autistic child, it is also about running an institution whose survival, financially speaking, is based on the kindness and attention of others. The Bank and the Society found each other and that is something we are really happy about. We are honoured to be your partner in making a difference." Carrington added.

Sharing a brief history of the ASTT, General Manager, Nicole Alves, said that to date there were over 500 families who were registered with the ASTT and have found a place to call home for their children.

"We provide therapy sessions for both parents and children at the Society. It's a place, which provides a safe haven for them. It's a place where a child could be autistic and not face judgment at the hands of society." Alves said.

Republic Bank is pleased to, once again, partner with the Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago, in an effort to raise public awareness on this order. The Bank encourages members of the public, to join with them on Sunday April 27, from 3pm, at the Queen's Park Savannah for the 4th annual Walk and Fair, as they help move the Nation closer to understanding autism and the special people on the autistic spectrum. T-shirts for the Walk can be bought at any outlet of Kenny's Sports Centre – Adults $75 and Children-$60.