Bermuda Marks Autism Awareness & Acceptance
The proclamation of World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day and April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month offered an opportunity to reflect on what neurodivergence means for Bermuda and the actions needed to support Bermuda’s autistic community.
Charles Gosling, Mayor of the City of Hamilton, stated, “Here in Hamilton, we strive to be a city that is welcoming and inclusive, whether through improving accessibility, supporting inclusive initiatives, or simply encouraging greater awareness in how we interact with each other every and each day. I’d like to recognise the continued work of Bermuda Autism Support and Education [BASE] that your advocacy, support and education efforts continue to make a meaningful difference for families across Bermuda and we thank you for the role that you play in this important work.”
The spokesperson said, “City of Hamilton Town Crier, Ed Christopher, then read the official Proclamation.”
Tinée Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, remarked, “As we observe Autism Awareness Month, we are reminded of the importance of not only recognising autism but also committing ourselves to meaningful action that supports inclusion, accessibility, and opportunity for all.
“In recent months, the Ministry [of Youth, Social Development and Seniors] has taken important steps to strengthen support for children with autism spectrum disorder. This includes expanding our inclusive camps and recreational programming as well as enhancing autism-specific training for staff.
“Autism Awareness month is also a time to celebrate the unique strengths, perspectives and contributions of individuals on the autism spectrum. Neurodiversity enriches our communities and embracing it strengthens us all. As we move forward, let us continue to turn awareness into action. Let us challenge barriers, expand opportunities, and foster a society where every individual is included and respected.”
Crystal Caesar, Minister of Education, stated, “To celebrate differences is to accept that a neurodiverse Bermuda is a stronger, more vibrant Bermuda.
“When we say celebrate differences, we are talking about celebrating the unique ways that neurodivergent brains are wired. We see this in hyperlexia where a child may have an extraordinary early ability to read words even as they work to develop language that expresses their feelings. We see it in the uneven development that often characterizes autistic people – where a person may be talented in one area while requiring significant support in another. These are not ‘errors’ in development; it is not something to be fixed. They are the diverse ways in which our citizens experience the world.
“Whether it is a need for specific sensory accommodations or a unique way of relating to others through shared experiences, these differences deserve our respect and our celebration.
“We’re expanding and ensuring that parental supports are in place to ensure that families have the support that they require, and recognising and ensuring that societal barriers like bullying and misunderstanding are replaced by a culture of awareness, accommodation and authentic acceptance.
“I challenge the people of Bermuda to celebrate differences in nurseries, schools, workplaces, pews and neighbourhoods, wherever you interact with someone. If a colleague processes information differently, celebrate the new perspective. If a student in a classroom has a unique sensory need, it should be celebrated, accommodated and accepted with a level of awareness.”
Sherri-Lee Bucci, President of BASE, stated, “I really am overjoyed by the commitment and the two Ministers in partnership with BASE and with all the parents that are here. I am truly thankful for parents’ support, for sharing with BASE and also for advocating for your children individually and collectively. And I am overjoyed that both Ministries and Ministers, Minister Furbert and Minister Caesar, have come out very boldly and strongly in support of not only awareness, not only acceptance, but to go further. The only part that I want to add is accommodations.
“I’m advocating for adults also with autism because children grow up,” Ms Bucci continued. “So, there are autistics—undiagnosed and diagnosed. This is something that is very prevalent and it is a difference, it’s not a sickness, it does not need fixing.”
The spokesperson said, “BASE was initially formed as an autism advocacy group in 2001 and continues to provide autism-related information, referral, advocacy, training and support.
“For more information, visit bermudaautism.bm or follow BASE on Facebook or Instagram @base_bermuda.”
