The Autism Workshop is an Important Step for Inclusion and Support for Aruban Families.

ORANJESTAD – On June 6, 2025, a significant workshop was held, organized by the Aruba Autism Foundation, and other stakeholders.

The goal was to strengthen the support chain for children and youth with autism. During this workshop, various professionals, parents, representatives of relevant agencies, and community leaders came together to work on awareness, referral, and inclusion.

Minister of Health, Social Affairs and Elderly Care and Addiction Care, drs. Mervin Wyatt-Ras attended the autism workshop and gave a speech in which the President emphasized that "autism is not a punishment". A child or person with autism is a unique individual with special challenges. A person with rights."

The activity focused on the essential rights of people with autism:

  • Right to care and protection;
  • Right to adequate help and support;
  • Right to opportunities for talent development;
  • Right to go to school and continue to shape their future;
  • Right to inclusion in the community, without discrimination or bullying.

In our community, people with challenges, disabilities, or problems such as autism still face exclusion, misunderstanding, and disadvantage. 

The workshop emphasized the urgent need for:

  • Early diagnosis and referral;
  • Rapid referral to a doctor and expert;
  • Reducing the waiting time;
  • Treatment based on the individual situation;
  • Effective use of data to make policy that is based on reality;
  • A sustainable vision and long-term management.

According to Minister Wyatt-Ras, the government is working on legislation Reform to:

  • Strengthen the Social Assistance and Assistance Act for Persons with Disabilities;
  • Provide financial support to families with children aged 0 to 16 years;
  • Support ideas and plans for the further development and education of children.

"With early support and assistance, understanding, empathy, family and community education, and inclusion, we can help a child or young person with autism find his or her way in school, at work, and in the community," said Minister Wyatt-Ras.

The workshop is part of a movement towards a more just, understanding, and accessible Aruba. A country where every individual, regardless of his or her development, can count on genuine support, respect, and opportunities.
 

Workshop organized by the Aruba Autism Foundation, and other stakeholders.