Autism siblings and friends network

DR RADICA MAHASE

“HOW do you get some many young people to come out and help? How much do you pay them?”

One person who recently attended our Autism Fun Day 2019 asked me these questions with disbelief. Another, who was attending one of our events for the first time said to me, “It’s amazing that you have so many youths here. They are all so friendly and welcoming and they’re everywhere. My child is enjoying himself so much. I think he has more fun doing activities with younger people.”

The Siblings and Friends Network is what we casually refer to as the youth arm of Support Autism T&T. It was established four years ago to provide opportunities for the brothers/sisters of those with autism to interact with their special sibling is a safe, comfortable environment. We wanted to give them a space, outside of the home, to build stronger relationships with their siblings; to have the opportunity to interact with their peers who also had special-needs siblings so that they do not feel isolated and they could share their experiences; and to have their friends with them so that their friends too would get the opportunity to interact with the special siblings and act as support systems outside of the home.

It has been a pleasure to watch this network become the foundation of Support Autism T&T over the past four years. Comprising approximately 200 youths, ages ten-21, they are present at every single event. They conceptualise, develop and implement activities for those with autism; interact with parents/caregivers and the public at various events throughout the country and they run our social media campaigns.

Celine Frederick, an 18-year-old student of San Fernando Central Secondary said, “I volunteer with Support Autism T&T because I believe persons with autism/special needs should be given the opportunity to socialise with neurotypical teenagers. Being around special needs individuals brings a great joy in my life. I can understand better, in their unique ways without being quick to judge them. I think people take those with special needs for granted but they should be able to feel comfortable in an everyday setting. Over the years I have become more empathetic and I have developed my communication skills. I have become a better leader and someone who is more reliable and responsible.”

Shelly Ann Mahadeo, a 17-year-old student at Naparima Girls’ High School said she volunteers with Support Autism T&T as, “It is my contribution to developing a better society in which we live. It has always been my nature to help people, no matter the size of the task at hand. I volunteer because I believe that if I have the ability to help someone in need of assistance then why not just do it? It has definitely assisted in my personal development. My social and teamwork skills have been improved and volunteering is shaping me to become an all-rounded person in society.”

Both Celine and Shelly Ann want to encourage other youths to volunteer and contribute to society in more meaningful ways. Celine stated, “I'd encourage other teenagers to volunteer with us because it is an amazing experience working with children and adults with autism. Being surrounded by adults who give you the opportunity to voice your opinions and help you realise you can make a difference in society is truly amazing. It also really helps with self-development. I want every teenager to be given the opportunity to experience how I feel as a volunteer; it is truly breathtaking.”

Shelly Ann noted, “I would advise all teenagers to volunteer. Whether it’s helping kids or the elderly in whatever way they can. It would not only assist them but it would be beneficial to those in need of the assistance. We as teenagers are the future of tomorrow and by volunteering from an early age, this can have a positive impact in the world we live in.”

Support Autism T&T has been able to build this network of youth volunteers simply by believing in them, providing opportunities for them to develop their leadership skills and by ensuring that the adults are strong role models who willingly encourage and support them. We keep saying that the youths are the future of our country. Therefore, we need to give them the opportunity to shape this country into what they want it to be in the future.

Dr Radica Mahase founder/director, Support Autism T&T