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Tricia Abraham-Mootoor and her six-year-old son Ronaldo, who has been diagnosed with non-verbal autism. In Part Two of Left behind: The cost of Autism care in Trinidad and Tobago, advocates say education remains out of reach for many children with autism, even those who receive the disability grant.
They argue that while financial support helps, broader systems must be strengthened to ensure these children can access the education they need.
Sharlene Rampersad is a Trinidad and Tobago-based investigative journalist, multimedia reporter and editor. She is the founder of News 19 TT. With more than a decade of experience in Caribbean journalism, she specialises in in-depth reporting on social issues, governance, crime, climate change and inequality. Her work focuses on accountability journalism, uncovering underreported stories and amplifying the voices of communities across Trinidad and Tobago. Through News 19, she produces original video reports, on-the-ground coverage, and digital-first storytelling designed for modern audiences.