Proclamation delivered to raise awareness of autism
The island must foster a society that supports and values those living with autism for who they are, a government minister declared.
Tinée Furbert, the social development minister, made the plea at the start of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month yesterday.
Ms Furbert was joined on the steps of City Hall by Hamilton mayor Charles Gosling and representatives of the charity Base ― Bermuda Autism Support and Education.
Before reading out a proclamation, she said: “I want to take a moment to emphasise the importance of not only being aware of autism but also truly embracing acceptance.
“Awareness is the first step ― understanding the unique experiences, strengths and challenges faced by people living with autism.
“But awareness alone is not enough. We must go further by fostering a society that actively includes, supports and values those living with autism for who they are.
“Acceptance means creating environments where differences are not just recognised but celebrated, where every individual is given the opportunity to thrive, and where respect and dignity are at the heart of everything we do.
“Let us move beyond awareness and into meaningful action, ensuring that inclusion is not just a concept, but a reality for all.”
Mr Gosling said that the month was an opportunity “to listen, to learn, and to uplift”.
He added: “Autism shapes how individuals connect with others, process information and navigate the world. And it is through acceptance, not just awareness, that we build a society where everyone feels seen, supported and valued.”
Mr Gosling said inclusion was “not a passive act ― it’s a choice we make every day in our schools, our workplaces and our neighbourhoods”.
“It calls on us to challenge assumptions, remove obstacles, and recognise the incredible contributions autistic individuals make across every facet of life.
“We are especially grateful for the continued work of Bermuda Autism Support and Education ― an organisation that has been at the forefront of providing support, education and advocacy for families across the island.”
He added: “Acceptance must be more than a moment — it must be a mindset.”
Sherri-Lee Bucci, the president of Base, said that people with autism referred to themselves as being neurodivergent, reflecting differences in brain function.
Ms Bucci said: “As we continue to advocate for autism awareness, acceptance and accommodations, we want to focus on ending neurodivergent-targeted bullying.
“Often, children with autism behave and communicate differently than neurotypical children. If children are not educated about neurodivergence, they may not understand these differences and might ostracise, tease or otherwise bully children who are different.
“Because our understanding of autism has only recently increased exponentially, there are many adults with autism who were never formally diagnosed. They were likely bullied as children and may even continue to be bullied today in the workplace.
“By increasing awareness of autism and shifting public focus to acceptance, we want people to think about how they can make spaces ― classrooms, workplaces, social groups ― more accepting for people on the spectrum.”
The following proclamation was delivered by Ms Furbert for the ceremony.
“Whereas autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a neurological variant that affects how people communicate and interact. As a spectrum condition, it affects people in different ways.
“Whereas, in the words of the National Autism Society UK, persons living with autism face discrimination and barriers across all sectors of society — in the health and social care systems, in education, in employment and everywhere in between.
“It is crucial that persons living with autism, and their families and caregivers, can access tailored information, guidance and support to overcome those barriers, access opportunities to explore their interests, develop skills and build friendships for fulfilled lives.
“Whereas persons living with autism do not need to be cured or fixed, but rather to be accepted and supported according to their level of need to function in a neurotypical world.
“Whereas, in Bermuda, we want the community to be aware of autism and what it is. Moreover, we want persons living with autism to be accepted as valuable members of the community.
“Now, therefore, I, Tinée Furbert, do hereby proclaim that the island of Bermuda implements the ideals of World Autism Awareness Day on this, the second day of April 2025, and declare the month of April as Autism Acceptance Month.”
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