Dear Editor,

As an educator of over 20 years I am greatly concerned about the lack of opportunities and support for many parents with children with special needs, such as autism.

Successive administrations have failed to make adequate investment and provision for this demographic. The month of April is recognised as Autism Awareness Month and I want to use this medium to help spread awareness and highlight the grave challenges faced by people with autism and other special needs.

Autism is regarded as a spectrum disorder, which means that it affects or manifests itself differently in each person afflicted with the condition. The exact cause of autism is inconclusive, but medical science agrees that genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the onset of the disorder. Like most other health conditions, early diagnosis and intervention can greatly improve the quality of life and social functioning of people with autism.

People with autism may require extensive support and oftentimes parents and guardians have to surrender their career in order to provide support and care for their autistic children. Our education system does not provide comprehensive support and accessing quality care is very expensive. In order to properly treat with the challenges of autism and develop strategies to better manage its symptoms a structured and sustained intervention is needed. Speech and language therapy, behaviour therapy, or certain medications may have to be administered to help the autistic person become more independent or calm.

While some autistic people may require 24-hour supervision and support, there are others with autism who only require mild levels of support or supervision. However, there are too many families in Jamaica that are suffering because they don’t have the means to adequately support their loved ones who are afflicted with autism and other special needs.

If the education system is to live by its mantra, “No child is left behind”, much more will have to be done to provide comprehensive care and support for people with autism and other special needs. As we recognise Autism Awareness Month, let us endeavour to do more in our respective spheres of influence to champion the cause of people with autism and other special needs.

May I also take the opportunity to commend all the caregivers for their patience, love, compassion, and goodwill. I salute you for your care and protection of this vulnerable group!

As a country we must do more for our special needs citizens. I know we can and I expect that we will.

Andre A O Wellington

Mental health patient and advocate

andrewellington344@yahoo.com