A groundbreaking community survey focused on families supporting autistic individuals in Antigua and Barbuda has uncovered widespread, unmet demand for expanded autism resources, specialized parenting training, accessible mental health care, and age-inclusive developmental education, according to data published this week by local health advocacy groups. The research, released in advance of a free community retreat taking place May 17 at the island nation’s Multipurpose Cultural Centre, is a joint effort between the Antigua and Barbuda Holistic Coalition Inc., the Center for the Holistic Advancement of Therapeutic Services (CHATS), the Directorate of Gender Affairs, and the Mill Reef Fund.
The survey gathered responses from 100 parents and primary caregivers of autistic people across the country, producing stark data on the gap between existing services and community needs. Ninety-three percent of respondents confirmed they were actively seeking more information about available autism support resources, while 88 percent reported a desire for hands-on, practical parenting skills tailored to raising an autistic child. Mental health support for caregivers and autistic individuals emerged as a top priority, with 62 percent of participants identifying this service area as a critical unmet need.
Additional requests from respondents included more accessible, targeted information about gender-specific autism presentation, standardized diagnostic testing pathways, and early recognition of autism signs and symptoms. Beyond service gaps, the survey data also underscored the broad range of life stages that autism caregiving spans in Antigua and Barbuda. Caregivers who participated in the study reported supporting autistic people from early infancy through adolescence, as well as autistic adults navigating adulthood. The majority of respondents were parents of autistic children, with the remainder consisting of formal and informal caregivers supporting autistic children and adults across the islands.
In an official statement accompanying the release of the survey findings, event and research organizers emphasized that the responses point to a rapidly growing need for expanded community support and national awareness around autism in Antigua and Barbuda. “Autism impacts families across all life stages — from infancy to adulthood — and caregivers are seeking community, education, and support now more than ever,” the statement read. Organizers frame the upcoming May 17 retreat as a critical first step to address these documented needs, designed to foster stronger cross-sector collaboration between autistic families, clinical professionals, educators, service providers, and government policymakers.
The free public event will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. local time on Sunday, May 17. While pre-registration for the retreat has officially closed, organizers confirmed that remaining limited seating will be open to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis for community members who wish to attend.