As Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month approaches in April, President of the Helen Association for Persons with Autism (HAPA), Dr Delia Samuel, is urging Saint Lucians to embrace greater awareness, acceptance and inclusion of autistic individuals.
During a news conference on Wednesday, she linked the country’s upcoming activities to her own journey as both an advocate and the autistic mother of two autistic sons.
“I stand before you today as the autistic mother of two autistic young men. I say this not with sadness, but with pride, joy, honour and abundance of love,” she said.
Samuel explained that her journey into autism advocacy was one she had never expected, describing it as both difficult and transformative.
“This journey is not one I ever imagined I would walk. It has been one of the most challenging parts of my life, yet it has also been one of the most meaningful, transformative and rewarding,” she said.
Like many parents, she initially struggled to accept her sons’ diagnosis.
“When my sons were diagnosed with autism, I believed those dreams had been shattered,” she said, adding that she experienced “moments of doubt, shame and guilt” before she came to understand the strengths and uniqueness of the autistic experience.
Samuel noted that the emotional journey involved several stages, including “grief, confusion, denial, fear and a great deal… a great deal of anger”.
She admitted that in those early years, she often questioned why she had been placed in that position. “I remember asking God repeatedly, ‘Why me?’” she recalled.
Over time, however, her perspective shifted dramatically.
“I moved from believing I cannot do this and this is impossible, to realising that it is possible and that I can,” she said. “I moved from asking why me to asking why not me.”
Samuel said that eventually she reached acceptance and discovered something even more powerful.
“I discovered rejoicing today. I rejoice in the autism of my sons, and I rejoice in the autism within me.”
Her personal journey eventually led to advocacy. In 2014, she documented her experiences in a book intended to encourage parents and caregivers.
“Even when the odds feel overwhelming, it is possible to triumph,” she said of the message she hoped to share.
That message sparked a desire to give back to the country. In October 2015, Samuel organised Saint Lucia’s first Autism Awareness Conference, attended by more than 300 people, which she described as the beginning of something much larger.
From that effort emerged the Helen Association for Persons with Autism, also known as HAPA. The organisation was officially registered as a non-profit organisation in 2023.
Samuel explained that HAPA’s mission is focused on advocacy and aims “to provide support and education for autistic children and their families, to train educators and community members and to transform the way autism is understood in our society.”
The organisation’s membership includes parents, educators, professionals and others who support the autistic community.
Samuel also explained the meaning behind the organisation’s logo, which features a hibiscus flower displayed in a spectrum of colours inspired by the Saint Lucian flag and culture.
She said the symbol reflects the idea that every autistic person is unique.
“Although the hibiscus is a familiar flower in Saint Lucia, each one is unique and beautiful in its own way,” she said.
This belief is reflected in the organisation’s slogan: “Embracing uniqueness, Unlocking Potential”.
Samuel described autism as a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behaviour and sensory processing.
“It is often called an invisible disability,” she explained, noting that many autistic individuals appear physically typical but may experience the world very differently.
She stressed that autism exists on a spectrum and that individuals require varying levels of support. However, she said many autistic individuals in Saint Lucia still face “bullying, ridicule and misunderstanding”.
Families, she added, often struggle with isolation and limited support, and exhaustion as they try to navigate a world that is not designed for their children”.
These challenges are further intensified by the country’s limited resources. “Our education system is stretched. Therapeutic services are scarce. Adults on the spectrum are often invisible,” she said.
Over the past two years, the organisation has implemented several initiatives to support families and promote education.
Among these is the Sponsor Parents Programme launched in January 2025, which connects sponsors with parents of autistic individuals to help ease financial burdens. Five families have already benefited from the programme.
HAPA has also hosted workshops for parents and educators covering topics such as speech and language support and self-care strategies for caregivers. In addition, the organisation has delivered educational presentations in schools and produced public awareness videos in both English and Kwéyòl.
Samuel further outlined a series of activities planned for Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in April, under the theme “Light it up blue for persons with autism.”
- April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day
HAPA will encourage Saint Lucians to wear blue in solidarity with autistic individuals.
“We hope to establish this day as a national blue day,” Samuel said.
- April 18 – Sensory‑Friendly Health Fair
In collaboration with the Department of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs, the fair will provide free preventive health screenings for autistic individuals, parents, and caregivers in a sensory-friendly environment.
- April 23 – Educators’ Panel Discussion
Focused on inclusive classrooms and practical support strategies for teachers.
- April 25 – Sports Day
A safe, welcoming space for autistic individuals to engage in physical activity and social interaction.
- April 30 – Public Transport Panel
A discussion with minibus and taxi drivers to promote understanding and patience within the sector.
- Groundbreaking Cultural Initiative
HAPA will organise the first‑ever autistic Kiddies Carnival band, complete with sensory‑friendly accommodations so autistic children can participate in one of Saint Lucia’s most celebrated cultural events.
Samuel emphasised that autism should not be viewed as something that needs to be cured.
“Autism is not a disease. It is not something that needs to be cured,” she said.
Instead, she urged society to focus on removing barriers that prevent autistic individuals from thriving. “Autistic people do not need fixing. There’s nothing wrong with us,” she stated, calling on society to address the systemic obstacles that limit opportunities.
“Stand with parents who fight every day for their children,” she urged, adding that Saint Lucia must become a place “where every person, regardless of ability, is embraced, valued and empowered because when we embrace uniqueness, we unlock potential,” she said.
During the news conference held at the Mount of Prayer in Coubaril, Sol Cares presented a $5,000 donation to the association in support of its efforts to increase the inclusion of autistic children in Saint Lucia.
Well done Dr Samuel for highlighting a much misunderstood and often undiagnosed condition. Showing more acceptance and understanding for those amongst us who may be a bit different can only benefit our community. And this is true for all forms of ‘difference’.