Filling the gaps in the care of people with autism.

By Kevens Fleurimont

A key part of breaking the stigma placed on autism is sharing stories of personal experiences that can increase understanding and acceptance of how autism affects families and those around them.

When autism came to our family, we were dumbfounded by the word. We didn’t know what it meant or what to expect. As our journey progresses, we learned that for families like mine, the challenges are not just about managing autism. They are about navigating a system that still has a long way to go, with nothing but love to fill the gaps.

At just two years old my brother was diagnosed with autism. Not in one dramatic moment, but slowly with assessments, diagnostics, and our own research; through confusions, questions, and uncertainty. We didn’t know what autism meant, what to expect, or how to support him fully. What we did know was that our life would change dramatically, and that we would have to learn as we went along. 

For my mother that meant putting on armor, changing from gold to diamond, stepping into a role that she never could have imagined would happen. She would have to become a teacher, advocate, therapist, and a constant support—and she did it all without guidance.

Simple things were no longer simple. Every milestone, every behavior, every challenge, required patience, research, and effort that most people never see. Witnessing her cry a mix of sadness and helplessness showed me a type of strength I have never seen before, a strength that was love.  

One of the biggest challenges we faced was access to affordable and proper diagnostics. The process was slow, taking months before we received clear answers. In a small island like the Turks & Caicos, resources are limited, and families often depend on visiting specialists or private services that are not always affordable. This creates a gap where children who need early support are left waiting, and time that could make a difference is lost. I have seen firsthand how we would do the same test over and over again, waiting for results and reports. 

Even after diagnosis, support does not come easily. Therapy and counselling services are not always accessible, and many families are forced to turn to private options that come at a high cost. This makes support unequal, leaving some children with the help they need while others are left without it. In a system like this, love alone is expected to fill the gaps that proper resources should cover. We were fortunate to have government assistance with therapy sessions and public school help. 

The education system presents its own set of challenges. While there are efforts to support students with disabilities, many teachers are not fully trained to handle the specific needs of children with autism. This often places additional pressure on parents, who must step in to ensure their child is understood and supported. It also puts pressure on the teachers, as they are overwhelmed. From my experience, I have seen how easily a child can be misunderstood when the right support is not in place.

Beyond these structural issues, there is also the challenge of stigma. Growing up, I heard autism described in ways that never felt accurate. My brother was not “difficult” or “problematic,” he simply experienced the world differently. Yet, instead of understanding that difference, it was often misunderstood or ignored. This lack of awareness creates an environment where families not only have to navigate the system, but also the perceptions of others. My family, rooted in Caribbean manners, had to learn from this stigma, especially my mother. She had to change from calling him ill or sick to “different” and “unique.”

Despite all of this, what stands out the most is not just the difficulty, but the love that carries families through it. My mother’s strength was never just about endurance. It was about commitment, patience, and the refusal to let my brother be defined by limitations. But strength should not be the requirement for proper care. Although I cannot speak for my mother, I did see and experience what she went through, and I believe God’s strongest souls are autism mothers.

On April 18, 2026, the SENS Department hosted its 2026 Rainbow Walk in Providenciales, bringing together national leaders, educators, families, and community partners in a powerful show of unity, inclusion, and support for children with special needs.

The Special Education Needs Services (SENS) Department of TCI’s Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture, joined the international community in observing World Autism Month 2026, beginning with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, a day officially recognized by the United Nations.

This year’s theme focused on sharing stories and creating opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism, while fostering meaningful support worldwide. It is a call to move beyond awareness and toward intentional inclusion, thereby ensuring that individuals on the autism spectrum are seen, heard, and valued within every aspect of society.

“Autism is not something to be fixed, but rather something to be understood,” said Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of SENS. “By sharing stories and creating opportunities for engagement, we can build a more compassionate and informed society.”

For a variety of useful information about neurodiversity, see the March 2026 issue of Caicos Well-Being magazine, found at caicoswellbeing.com.