The Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ASTT) joins with the global community to ‘Celebrate Differences’ for World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Acceptance Month 2025. In keeping with the United Nations Secretary General’s message for World Autism Awareness Day, ASTT reflects on the valuable contributions people with autism make to societies, human endeavours and individual lives, while recognizing that significant challenges remain.
As a service provider for almost 35 years, ASTT continues to focus on affordable services and support through funding received from the Ministry of Health and many other non-governmental partnerships. Recent achievements include the expansion of services such as occupational therapy and horticulture for members.
While it is good to celebrate milestones, challenges remain. ASTT members continue to struggle with access to healthcare, education and employment. Families still wait months for diagnosis and intervention, are unable to afford therapeutic services and are excluded from social life. Many autistic adults struggle to find employment and to live independent lives within their communities.
ASTT appeals for equity to ensure access to services and support through understanding and action. The public must understand the following:
- Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition which requires services and support throughout the lifespan of the individual.
- Equity is about fair access to resources, services and opportunities based on the human rights of the individual.
- Meaningful action goes beyond awareness; it requires a commitment to include autistic people in every aspect of daily life.
While meaningful action can be a great undertaking, ASTT advocates for the following steps to ensure that autistic adults and children can access social services and support:
- Legislation and policy to reduce discrimination and exclusion.
- Accommodations in classrooms, healthcare, workplaces and businesses to foster a culture of acceptance.
- Community involvement in autism-friendly events to reduce stigma and isolation.
- Support for autistic self-advocates to empower them to live more independent lives and reach their full potential.
ASTT believes that autistic people have a lot to offer our society if given the opportunity and advocates for no autistic person to be left behind in 2025.
Telephone: 868-225-6808
WhatsApp: 868-684-4010
Email: autismtt@gmail.com
Facebook: Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago
Instagram: @autisticsocietyoftt