On Sunday, 3rd April, the Kingdom Citizens Church, on the Jeremiah Gumbs Highway, hosted the Ispeak Autism Society at its early morning Sunday service to celebrate World Autism Day which was on Saturday 2nd April.
Ms. Annishska White is President and Founder of Ispeak. In speaking about her motivation for the establishment of the society, she gave a comprehensive overview of its beginning and development over the years.
“In August of 2017, I was awaken by a nudge one morning after 4:00… to start a foundation for autism. Then, not long after, Hurricane Irma hit and I was somewhat happy because I wasn’t perplexed by the thoughts of an autism society so much anymore. This wasn’t something glorious, but I am glad I would be able to escape all that would be said, and the views of many who would think I was not ready for it. So, at least the aftermath of Irma kept me engaged otherwise.
“To tell people about my daughter and others like her, to convince others to come on board to face something that is taboo, and stepping into unchartered waters, would have been, for me, quite a challenge. So, for me, Irma was a blessing in disguise, or so I thought.
“In November 2017, two months after the notorious hurricane, I received a call from Dr. Ronya Foy-Connor who said that December 3rd was a special day for persons with disabilities. She wanted me, as a mother of an autistic child, to make a presentation about autism. I was shocked. The Lord then reminded me of the vision he had given me earlier.
“Of course, I thought ‘God this is too much. I can’t do it. After complaining, I could tell that He would not allow me to run away from this challenge. So, I consented to be part of a session at the La Vue Lounge, where the subject of autism was the focal point. The event was well attended, and there was where the Lord concretised the notion that what he said to me a couple months before must be fulfilled.
“There is where I understood that it was not about me, but it was about every child affected with autism. It was about these children’s families which were suffering with fear and discrimination, and who were at the point of giving up without any support. I began to identify with families like mine which got the stares and fake smiles, while other children attempt to run away because they don’t want to “get it” – or they saw it as a curse.
“And so, in 2018, the Ispeak Autism Society was started with a team of like-minded individuals in the hope of doing just what was mentioned in the UN convention – advocating for those with autism who seemed to be left behind.
“When we started it seemed as though it would be a good ride but, as we peeled off the layers of reality, we realised that there was a vast lack of knowledge regarding this neurodevelopment disorder, and so there was so much to be done. Thus, we embarked on awareness campaigns with the schools, sharing our stories as families and making use of radio interviews to educate the public. But, indeed, we cannot do it alone.
“For sustainable development, the inclusion and equality of persons on the autism spectrum takes the input of everyone, including the government, the church, the school, the media, the community and the family. Notwithstanding, parents must first admit that there is an issue or a concern that must be addressed.
“We must face reality and seek help. We must not shy away from admittance. Yes, there is the reality that your child will develop and progress differently than others and, rightfully so, because we are all unique. So we must bite the bullet and step out to seek help before it’s too late.
“Persons with autism are no different from us. They require the same care, concern and love as we do. Though they may take more from us, at the end of the day they require the same ingredients to success, or to lead a successful life, as we do. They need not feel ashamed or afraid to be themselves.
“Persons with autism do not need the burden of living a life of fear and discrimination because, the truth is, we too have our own ways and personalities – and at times we too rub others the wrong way. Nonetheless, we too look for understanding, acceptance and love. Out of these three: faith, hope and love, the Lord did say that the greatest of them is love…”
The moderator of the service, Sister Alecia Smith, was happy to welcome the group of visitors, many of whom were children who are affected by autism. She spoke highly of the work and commitment of the Society’s Founder, Ms. White, who has the hands-on experience of caring for and raising her autistic daughter.
Mrs. Smith said: “It is one thing to have a vision to start a foundation, but it is another thing to be the Founder who has the experience of what the foundation caters to. It is remarkable that the one who has founded the Ispeak Autism Society is herself a mother of a child with autism. So, I applaud you for stepping out to establish this foundation.”
Pastor Rondy Isles also welcomed the visiting group. “To those from the Ispeak Autism community,” he said, “we are happy to know that you have come to join us in worship today. We pray that you would not just be encouraged, but really blessed. And as you execute your duties to help children who are standing out, that God will certainly give you all that you need.”
He then preached an impactful sermon entitled “Stay on the Potter’s Wheel” with its text taken from Jeremiah 18:1-6.
Ms. White appreciated the warm welcome that she received from the members of the church. She testified that she was heartily inspired by Pastor Rondy’s sermon which encouraged her to remain focused on her mission despite the odds. Meanwhile, she would like to extend her thanks and appreciation to all those who supported her in attending the church service.
