Getting Loud About Adhd & Dyslexia
Lemonade BVI’s 2nd Annual ADHD & Dyslexia Symposium brought together more than 150 people on October 11 at the Save the Seed Energy Centre to build understanding, promote inclusion and celebrate neurodiversity across the Virgin Islands (Guavaberry). Educators earned professional development hours, participants enjoyed wellbeing offerings such as free mini massages from Elegant Holistic Spa, and speakers shared practical strategies for homes, schools and workplaces (Guavaberry; VINO).
Lemonade BVI’s 2nd Annual ADHD & Dyslexia Symposium brought together over 150 people on October 11 at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in a full day of learning, dialogue and community-building (Guavaberry). Attendees included parents, educators, medical professionals, specialists, advocates and community leaders from across the Territory — including 15 participants from Virgin Gorda — as organisers aimed to grow public understanding and inclusion for neurodivergent residents (Guavaberry; VINO).
The programme opened with a moving prayer from Apostle Curnal Fahie, which organisers said helped ground the day in compassion and unity (Guavaberry). That was followed by an opening presentation from Dr. Jardine Torno titled “The Changing Face of ADHD: From Childhood Signs to Adult Realities,” which examined how ADHD can present differently across the lifespan and the implications for schools, workplaces and families in the BVI (VINO; Guavaberry).
A morning panel, “Perspectives on ADHD: Is ADHD Just an Excuse for Bad Behaviour?”, featured Dr. Josephine Claxton-Richardson, Apostle Curnal Fahie, Dr. Panelists discussed diagnostic challenges, stigma and practical classroom strategies while taking questions from attendees and encouraging greater empathy in homes and classrooms (VINO; Guavaberry).
Apostle Fahie told organisers he was moved by the breadth of material and the impact of the conversations, saying the experience transformed those present (Guavaberry). Breakout sessions gave participants targeted, practical learning opportunities. Sessions included “Play Therapy and Supporting ASD Learning and Development” with Dr.
Josephine Claxton-Richardson, Rosemarie Munroe and Dr. Cynthia Grenyion; “Seeing Through a Different Lens: Understanding Dyslexia” led by Tilly Bruce, Kate Mallin and Otrisha John-Prescott; and “ADHD and Me: Just Getting Through the Day” featuring Dr. Rylene Lobaton Marijuan, Crystal Estridge and Latoya Brown, which highlighted lived experience and daily resilience (Guavaberry).
A virtual presentation from Chester Lakatoo on dyslexia screening and classroom support preceded an honest discussion called “Navigating Challenges in Our World” with Dr. Connie George and TyJenica Maduro-George, focused on tangible solutions for neurodiverse families (VINO; Guavaberry).
Afternoon sessions addressed workplace inclusion and caregiver wellbeing. Micah Hall spoke on “ADHD in the Workplace,” emphasising employer accommodations and a strengths-based approach; Hall said he was honoured to contribute to an event that helps employers both support and benefit from employees with ADHD (Guavaberry).
Josephine Claxton-Richardson presented strategies for supporting mental health in neurodiverse individuals and their caregivers, stressing understanding and self-compassion (VINO; Guavaberry). The day closed with a panel titled “Speaking Kind Words to Ourselves and Our Dyslexic Thinkers,” featuring Kate Mallin, Latoya Brown, Otrisha John-Prescott and Marsha Pemberton, which encouraged empathy in homes and classrooms.
Principal Alfreda Gordon-Wheatley reflected on her combined experience as a parent and educator, describing how recognition of neurodivergence has helped her advocate for students and support families; she said the symposium reinforced her commitment to nurture neurodivergent children (Guavaberry; VINO).
Organisers were proud that all educators in attendance earned professional development hours, and they also provided wellbeing touches throughout the day, including free mini massages from Elegant Holistic Spa (Guavaberry). Speakers and attendees noted improvements in local services for neurodivergent children and families in recent years and expressed hope for continued progress across health, education and community life (VINO; Guavaberry).
Lemonade BVI extended thanks to attendees, volunteers, partners and sponsors for supporting the mission to build more inclusive, supportive environments for neurodiverse residents across the Virgin Islands, and volunteers were singled out for their roles in registration, hospitality, childcare and logistics (Guavaberry).
Primary source: VINO