Neurodiversity took centre stage this month when more than 150 people attended Lemonade BVI’s second annual ADHD and Dyslexia Symposium.
The event, which was held Oct. 11 at the Save the Seed Energy Centre, focused on building understanding, promoting inclusion and celebrating neurodiversity across the territory, according to the non-profit organisation.
Attendees, 15 of whom came from Virgin Gorda, included parents, educators, medical professionals, community leaders and others.
Sessions
Following a prayer from Apostle Curnal Fahie, psychiatrist Dr. Jardine Torno delivered a presentation titled “The Changing Face of ADHD: From Childhood Signs to Adult Realities.”
A morning panel — themed “Perspectives on ADHD: Is ADHD Just an Excuse for Bad Behaviour?” — featured Mr. Fahie, Dr. Torno, autism specialist Josephine Claxton-Richardson and psychologist Mike Turnbull.
The panellists addressed common misconceptions and encouraged empathy in homes and classrooms.
“I was genuinely amazed at the wealth of information shared at the symposium,” Mr. Fahie said. “I wish more people were there physically to experience this overflow and outpouring of theoretical and experiential knowledge, which can change lives forever.”
Breakout sessions held throughout the day covered topics including play therapy, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, dyslexia and others.
Autism specialist Chester Lakatoo delivered a virtual presentation on dyslexia screening and classroom support, and educators Connie George and TyJenica Maduro-George led a session highlighting solutions for neurodiverse families.
Afternoon chats featured lawyer Micah Hall, who spoke on ADHD in the workplace, and Ms. Claxton-Richardson, who offered ideas for supporting mental health in neurodiverse people and their caregivers.
VI’s progress
Another session, which highlighted the territory’s progress in inclusive education and support, included contributions from Crystal Estridge, who is the government’s director of disabilities services, and educators Afiya Smith and Alfreda Gordon-Wheatley.
“As a parent of an ADD child and a stepsister to my neurodivergent brother, God allowed this experience to help me care for and nurture my students,” said Ms. Gordon-Wheatley, the principal at Agape Total Life Academy. “Is it easy? No. Do I have off days? Yes. However, as a teacher with 27 years of experience, being able to recognise neurodivergent children has helped me to help others understand their challenges and parents to accept their differences as I too have a similar story.”
The day closed with a panel themed “Speaking Kind Words to Ourselves and Our Dyslexic Thinkers.”
Educators who attended the symposium earned professional development hours. Attendees also received free mini massages.
NPO’s mission
Lemonade BVI is a registered non-profit organisation “dedicated to empowering families, educators and communities to support individuals with neurodiverse and special learning needs,” according to organisers.
Its funders include The McLain Association for Children, Unite BVI, the Community Foundation of the VI via the Banco Popular Grant, and the Guana Fund. For more information, follow the NPO on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
