In celebration of World Autism Awareness Month, the Jamaica Autism Support Association (JASA), with the assistance of the Digicel Foundation, hosted a free concert at Emancipation Park in New Kingston.

“Our purpose is to spread and share information about autism to parents and the general public, and to raise awareness about autism with the intention of making changes for our children and the families living with autism,” noted Kathy Chang, co-founder of JASA.

Entertaining the crowd with lively performances were bands from special needs schools Genesis Academy and Promise Learning Centre, both located in Kingston. Gospel artiste Jermaine Edwards also gave a soulful and moving performance.

“For the past five years, the Jamaica autism Support Association (JASA) has put on a public display of recognising and acknowledging Autism,” noted Chang. “This year is our first Autism Awareness concert showcasing the talent of individuals affected by the disorder.”

As part of the formalities, Dr Andrea Garbutt, Developmental paediatrician from the University Hospital of the West Indies gave a brief talk on autism in an effort to increase awareness about this particular developmental challenge.