The Jamaica Autism Support Association is one of the organizations in
the island which works to improve knowledge of the disorders that can
affect people during their younger years. The association has been in
existence for more than five years and has helped to raise awareness of
autism throughout the country.
The support group was founded by parents who have autistic children.
The president is Cathy Chang, who is also a co-founder. The group also
consists of caregivers and other professionals who work with individuals
with autism. More than 200 people are a part of the Association at
present.
The
Jamaica Autism Support Association hosts a wide range of family
activities as well. Some of these are sponsored by corporate bodies in
the Caribbean island. For example, Digicel, the Jamaica Surfing
Association and the Rotary Club of Trafalgar New Heights have worked
with the Association to host an annual day of surfing.
The
most recent event was held in 2013 at Cable Hut Beach in St. Thomas,
Jamaica. St. Thomas offers excellent opportunities for surfing. The
parish hosts the largest competitive surfing event in the English
speaking Caribbean. Kids at the day of surfing were able to interact
with professional surfers and learn new skills.
The Jamaica Autism
Support Association hosts activities that attract attention, are fun
and are educational. Emancipation Park in Jamaica is located in the
center of business activities in Kingston, the nation’s capital. The
Association held a balloon release in the park one Saturday, to
recognize World Autism Awareness Day. The colorful, biodegradable
balloons lit up the April day and produced great photo opportunities and
smiles on the faces of onlookers.
The organization hosts
workshops for parents, teachers and other stakeholders. The group
publishes information on their blog, and hosts regular autism group
support meetings. You can visit the Jamaica Autism Support Association
at their website, Jamaicaautism.org.
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