Tricia Abraham-Mootoor is pleading with those in authority to do more for children with autism.
The Tunapuna mother says her six-year-old son Ronaldo does not have access to schooling that can benefit him because her family cannot afford the high costs of special schools
She is asking for the disability grant to be increased for children with autism so they can access a proper education.
This is their story.
Part Two- Left Behind: The cost of Autism care in Trinidad and Tobago will be published on May 3.
To even get the grant is a problem . I have an authistic non verbal 11 year old daughter and it has been 3 years since we have been trying to access the grant without success. It’s only a run around . Every government talks about special needs on the campaign trail but what has been done to help ? The solution is a simple one however the authorities are just playing politics with the lives of these children . I have been doing quite a lot of research on Autism that I can share. I met with the Social Development minister Ms Vandana Mohit on two occasion and all I got was promise to contact me to discuss what recommendations I can give . Autism is becoming very prevalent around the world while there are constant research taking place but here in Trinidad nothing is being done . I can say also that Autism treatment is a money making business for some very unqualified people who sees a desperate and vulnerable part of society that is crying out for help