Wandering, drowning, and abuse are increasingly serious threats facing autistic individuals of all ages in Antigua and Barbuda — and a local specialist is calling on the broader community to take urgent action.
According to Antigua Observer, Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis raised the alarm in a recent interview with Observer Media, speaking as part of the ongoing series Autism and Me, which aims to deepen public understanding of autism and the challenges faced by those living with the condition.
Dr. Belle-Jarvis made clear that these risks are not confined to any single age group, emphasising that autistic children, adolescents, and adults alike remain vulnerable. Her message was directed not only at families and caregivers, but at the community as a whole.
The series, as reported by Antigua Observer, continues to serve as a platform for local experts and advocates to shed light on the realities of autism in Antigua and Barbuda, with the goal of fostering greater awareness, empathy, and preparedness across the population.
Dr. Belle-Jarvis's remarks underscore a growing recognition that safeguarding autistic individuals requires a collective response — one that extends beyond the home and into schools, public spaces, and neighbourhoods.
