Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Medical Director of Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, is calling for urgent national action to improve autism care and inclusion in Antigua and Barbuda. According to Antigua.news, Dr. Belle-Jarvis spoke publicly on World Autism Awareness Day, stressing that early screening and timely intervention remain critical for children on the autism spectrum.
Dr. Belle-Jarvis noted that autism affects communication, social connection and behaviour, with signs often emerging between six and twelve months of age. She warned that a "wait and see" approach can slow a child's progress and urged families to act quickly when warning signs appear.
"Although autism cannot be cured…we can optimize function, and how we optimize function is through early identification and through early intervention," she stated.
While acknowledging growing public awareness, Dr. Belle-Jarvis said meaningful inclusion remains an ongoing challenge. "We still have not progressed as far as we want to in terms of inclusion," she explained. "So yes we may know what autism is, but we are having challenges in terms of integration and inclusion from the society level. So this year's theme is Autism and humanity – each life has value."
She addressed common misconceptions, pointing out that many individuals on the spectrum can thrive in mainstream schools and broader society, though their levels of independence vary. She also identified limited public knowledge as a significant barrier to accessing support.
To illustrate the gap in community awareness, Dr. Belle-Jarvis recalled a personal experience. "I've been to church and I've seen a child spinning, flapping, fascinated by the bright lights and the flowers and everybody's saying, 'She can't control she pikney,' and I'm saying, that child has autism," she said. "If all of us are aware as to what to look out for, then I can pull mommy inside and say, 'you know what, mom take a look.'"
Dr. Belle-Jarvis also raised concerns about the quality of time parents and caregivers spend with their children. "I must say we're missing the mark because many of us are not spending enough time with our children, the tablet is, the TV is, the phone is. So we're missing the cues," she noted.
With long wait times for private care and insufficient public support structures in place, she called for stronger national commitment — including better school resources, trained staff and more accessible therapies.
Several national activities are planned to mark the occasion. A glow walk is scheduled for this evening at 7 PM at the Victory Centre, a national blue-wearing day is set for April 24th, and a forum aimed at developing a nationwide inclusion plan will be held on May 21st.
