Health Minister Michael Joseph has announced plans to establish a Cognitive Behaviour Centre for children with autism and their families, saying he was shocked by the scale of autism in Antigua and Barbuda and compelled to act. According to Antigua News Room, Joseph made the remarks during an appearance on Pointe FM's On Pointe programme, where he described the issue coming into sharper focus during recent autism awareness activities.
"It highlighted that CDC estimation is one out of every 31 children is diagnosed with ASD. Again, that for me is like a wow moment, like what's happening here?" Joseph said.
The minister said his concerns had already been building prior to taking office, citing repeated encounters with affected families during his campaign in St. John's Rural West. "During the five weeks when I was doing campaign in Rural West, I've met, I kid you not, eight individuals that had children with autism at varying levels," he said. Joseph said the number of families he encountered within a single constituency signalled the issue was far more widespread than he had previously understood.
He noted that many parents described struggling to balance employment and caregiving responsibilities, particularly those caring for children with more severe forms of autism. Emotional testimony from parents at a recent event further moved him to act. "She's like, you know, we need more support. It's so difficult as a parent," Joseph recalled.
Those experiences prompted him to begin work on the Cognitive Behaviour Centre. "I said to Dr. Bell-Jarvis, we have to do something," Joseph said. The centre will initially operate from the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre before eventually relocating to a dedicated facility.
The minister revealed that discussions are underway to recruit a specialist with experience in autism services to return to Antigua and assist in establishing the programme. The ministry is also seeking to bring on occupational therapists and speech pathologists. Additionally, a university in Atlanta with a department focused on Autism Spectrum Disorder and social integration has expressed interest in partnering with Antigua and Barbuda.
The centre is expected to provide support not only for children and their parents but also for schools and teachers. Joseph said the programme will help identify appropriate educational pathways for children across different parts of the autism spectrum and assist schools in integrating students where possible.
"I think integration has to be at the forefront, but we also have to be understanding that there are different levels," he said.
The minister said the long-term goal is to build a system that delivers education, developmental support and opportunities for people with autism throughout their lives, while easing the burden carried by their families.
