Local business supports autistic youth

(CNS): Autistic youth in the Cayman Islands have received $5,500 from local donors, which will fund the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) class, an autism intervention programme which was started in 2012. The donors were Caymanian business conglomerate DMS, Dart Realty and individual donor, Taron Jackman. The ASD is the first of its kind in the Cayman Islands, and was developed to meet the unique needs of a group of elementary-aged students on the autism spectrum, engaging them in a variety of educational and therapeutic activities that collectively serve to promote individual achievements.

There are currently six students enrolled in the pilot program at the Lighthouse School, between the ages of five and eight. Students have been exposed to various educational & animal-assisted therapeutic programmes that have collectively contributed to improving their social and cognitive skills.

DMS Senior Vice President Karen Kersey, said, “The prevalence of autism continues to grow. Our research, knowledge and options for educating the autistic must grow in tandem. We all learn in different ways. To find ways to learn and connect just makes sense. We are humbled to be doing what we can to support this important initiative.”

Taron Jackman (Partner, Deloitte & Touche) agrees, "When autism is isolated, diagnosed and measures are taken to provide the needed and regulated combination of structure, stimuli and education, these kids grow into happy, healthy, gifted and important members of society. Their brilliance knows no boundaries."

"Dart has always been committed to fostering education and youth programs and we recognise the crucial role that the Lighthouse School plays in our community,” added Ken Hydes, VP Place Management & Experiences, Dart Realty. “Having supported local autism awareness campaigns, we appreciate the need for additional resources and we are pleased to be able to sponsor this innovative program,” he added.