Autism Belize uses the fingerprint ribbon to represent the individuality of neurodiverse persons and persons with disabilities as we advocate for real acceptance and inclusion into our Belizean community and beyond.
About ASD
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. People with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged.
Our Struggle
“Pinches are a love language. You know that line about autism being a puzzle? Well,
that puzzle gets even more complicated when you’ve got a little person who can’t use his words to tell you how he feels. He’s got to find other ways to communicate – and, for Teo, one way is the pinch.
There’s the “hey, there you are! I haven’t seen you since yesterday” squeeze on
the arm that you get when you say good morning. And then, there’s the “hey, keep
driving! I don’t want you to turn here – who told you I’m ready to go home” pinch that you get when you dare to turn the wrong way. And the happy squeeze, sometimes a full body squeeze, that you get when he’s happy – often when you’re swimming in the open water, and he realizes that he’s got company. That one especially is often accompanied with a big smile – and it may be followed by a hug that pushes you right under the water and leads to a game of swim tag.
Happy… mad… let’s play… sometimes words are overrated. We’ve learned
sometimes you just need a good pinch to get your message across.”
–Dian, autism auntie
STORIES FROM THE SPECTRUM
A Parent’s Perspective
*Full stories available at: autismbelize.org/a-parents-perspective/
What Do We Do?
TEACH AUTISM
Autism Belize, working with parents, volunteer professionals, doctors, psychologists, therapists, and special education teachers to organize and host:
- Monthly Parent & Teacher Trainings
- Sensitization Presentations to Schools & the Business Community
- Special Education Needs Teacher Training Modules (NEW)
PROMOTE AWARENESS
Autism Belize, utilizing social media in an effort to create opportunities for sharing, hosts and produces:
- LIVE Facebook Guest Speaker Presentations
- A Weekly Blog Titled: A Parent’s Perspective
- A Monthly Newsletter
- Light It Up Blue Campaign in April
SHOW ACCEPTANCE
Autism Belize collaborates with other health and disability organization, as well as the government of Belize, to advocate for a National Policy for Disabled People. We firmly believe that a Belize that is educated and accepting of differences will be a stronger, kinder, transformed Belize.
PROVIDE SUPPORT
In an effort to provide support for our families and persons on the spectrum, Autism Belize offers:
- Monthly Parent Support
- Group Meetings via Zoom
Special Needs Yoga - Guidance and support for those who reach out
Once Belize is safe to socialize again, we plan to hold a variety of activities for our children, youths and young adults on the spectrum as well.
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