Column: Dr. Jahnae Harvey On Autism & More
[Opinion column written by Dr. Jahnae Harvey]
Imagine your child is unable to communicate their basic needs or emotions. For many families in Bermuda, this is a daily reality.
Autism – also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD] – is a developmental condition that affects how people communicate, learn, and interact with the world around them. It exists within the broader concept of neurodiversity, which recognises that everyone’s brain functions in unique ways. Neurodiversity includes people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other developmental differences – each bringing their own strengths, perspectives, and ways of learning.
At Tomorrow’s Voices, we celebrate this diversity but also acknowledge the steep and lifelong challenges these individuals, and their families will face. We believe that every individual, regardless of diagnosis or ability, deserves the chance to be understood, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
With autism rates rising worldwide – now affecting approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States – the need for accessible, evidence-based support is greater than ever. We are often the lifeline that makes connection possible – providing life-changing therapy and education for children, teens, and adults with autism and developmental disabilities, helping them find their voices and thrive.
Tomorrow’s Voices – Bermuda Autism Early Intervention Centre was founded in 2007 by two parents, Mrs. Tricia Kristoff [Crow] and Ms. Thea Furbert, who saw firsthand the lack of local services for children on the autism spectrum. They envisioned a place where families could access world-class, research-based therapy close to home.
Eighteen years on, and 136 422 clinical hours of therapy later – that vision has grown into a national resource for Bermuda’s families. What began as an early intervention programme has evolved into a comprehensive clinical centre offering:
- 1:1 Early Intervention
- Saturday Social Skills Programme
- Summer Programme
- Thriving Beyond 21 Adult Programme
- University Internship Programme
- Bi-Monthly Training Institute Workshops
Tomorrow’s Voices is the only charitable clinical centre of its kind in Bermuda, where clients receive medically recognized therapy delivered by highly trained professionals at a subsidized rate.
Our Early Intervention Programme uses Applied Behaviour Analysis [ABA] – a globally recognized, evidence-based approach that helps children build communication, social, and life skills.
One family recently shared their child’s remarkable journey. When therapy began, their child could only make single-word requests. Through consistent, personalised support, they began to form full sentences – “I want the…,” “Can I have the…,” and “May I have the…”—and eventually gained the confidence to perform as the lead singer in a school Christmas play. Their parents’ tears of joy captured what we see every day: Progress that changes childhoods. These changes shift life trajectory.
Often referred to as a “school,” Tomorrow’s Voices is much more. Our model of reverse inclusion prepares clients through 1:1 therapy to transition successfully into home, school, and community settings. We help clients build independence, confidence, and social skills – laying the foundation for full inclusion in everyday life.
The need for evidence-based autism support continues to grow, and Tomorrow’s Voices is growing with it. Our future plans include expanding our team of clinical professionals and introducing speech, language and occupational therapy services to ensure that no family in Bermuda goes without the support they need.
We are also committed to expanding access to high-quality ABA therapy for families facing financial barriers, and to increasing community understanding of neurodiversity through ongoing education and outreach.
A Call to Support Bermuda’s Neurodiverse Community
At Tomorrow’s Voices, we believe every child deserves the chance to be understood, supported, and included. With the right intervention, communication blossoms, independence grows, and families find hope.
Our work depends on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners who share our belief that every voice matters. Together, we can ensure that Bermuda continues to build an inclusive society where neurodiverse individuals of all ages can thrive.
To learn more or to support our work, visit www.tomorrowsvoices.bm.
- Dr. Jahnae Harvey
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