Mother determined to break stigma of autism

For years, Cherene McLeary kept her son's autism diagnosis close to her chest, but, today, she's wearing it on her sleeve - literally.

McLeary is taking to the streets in her autism awareness gear, determined to break the silence for parents who are too afraid to speak out. Three years ago when McLeary's son, Jaer Simpson, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), she was devastated and terrified of the road ahead. However, after years of enduring the highs and lows of parenting a child with the condition, she is on a mission to raise awareness -- not just for Jaer, but for the many parents who feel too afraid or ashamed to speak up.

"They're times I'm walking around in my autism awareness shirts and parents come up to me telling me how brave I am to wear it so proudly," McLeary told THE STAR. "There are mothers and older folks who come up to me and tell me they're afraid to even talk about it, because of the stigma. But it shouldn't be like that! Being autistic or having an autistic child should not bring any shame or stigma."

ASD is a developmental condition caused by differences in the brain. Depending on their level on the spectrum, persons with autism can have problems, including difficulties with social communication and interacting with others. Jaer, who is now eight years old, is non-verbal but high-functioning, which makes communication difficult at times. Still, McLeary describes him as a brilliant child who is able to do tasks just like the average eight-year-old. But there are still many hurdles she has endured.

To help other parents on similar journeys, last Friday, McLeary hosted an Autism Awareness Health Fair and Fun Day, in partnership with the University Hospital of the West Indies' psychiatric department. The event brought together healthcare professionals, financial experts, and families for a day of education, support, and fun.

"The event was free, free, free and out of pure love," she said. "It wasn't a fundraiser. I just reached out to individuals for free support." At the fair, attendees were able to access free blood pressure and cholesterol checks, and receive vital information from psychiatrists about the signs of autism, the diagnostic process, and the resources available for families. Children were also treated to free dental cleanings while parents got expert advice from representatives of financial institutions on how to manage the often overwhelming costs of raising a child with special needs.

"It's hard, financially," McLeary admitted. "Therapies, doctor visits, special schools -- it adds up. So having financial advisors there to talk about how to budget, how to save, and how to plan for your child's future was so important."

She also explained the need for more government support and accessible funding for families with autistic children, especially single parents.

"I don't think people really understand what autism is and the amount of support parent's needs. Even though we talk about autism and have Autism Awareness Month in April, which is important, one month can't sum up our children's life and what we as parents go through and the extensive support we need," she said.

"Autism awareness is more than a one-month thing. Awareness is about making sure everybody understands what autism really is, and helping parents feel supported and informed all year round," she added.

She told THE STAR that people need to know that autism is not a tragedy, and, through her activism, she hopes that every child like Jaer gets the chance to thrive in a society.

"I am a billboard for autism awareness," she said proudly. "I wear the pins, the shirts, all year long. And I'll never stop, because I want everyone to understand in all 14 parishes that our children, autistic children, are amazing."