Lemonade BVI Symposium
Lemonade BVI hosted its 2nd Annual Autism and Down Syndrome Symposium, 'Seen. Safe. Supported!', on April 25, 2026 at the Save the Seed Energy Centre, bringing together more than 100 attendees from Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Anegada. The day featured speakers, panels and breakout sessions that shared lived experiences, practical strategies and local information to strengthen inclusion and support for neurodivergent residents across the Virgin Islands.
Lemonade BVI hosted its 2nd Annual Autism and Down Syndrome Symposium under the theme "Seen. Supported!" on April 25, 2026, at the Save the Seed Energy Centre. The event drew more than 100 participants from Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Anegada, including families, educators, healthcare professionals, advocates and community members committed to improving supports for autistic people and those with Down syndrome across the Virgin Islands.
The day opened with a prayer by Huelette McNickle and a presentation by Crystal Estridge and Janaue Estridge titled "Getting Down with Music Therapy," which explored how music can help communication, regulation and social connection for neurodivergent individuals. One of the symposium’s most personal segments, "A Day in Our Shoes," featured Akaelen Brewley and his mother, Dr.
Sharlon Lewis-Forbes, who shared candid reflections on daily realities, challenges and successes of living with autism. A panel, "Seeing and Supporting Real Lives + Ask the Doctor," included Dr. Michael Turnbull, Latoya Brown and Kate Malin, who answered audience questions about practical supports for children and caregivers.
Lorna Smith offered a heartfelt account of her family’s two-decade journey with autism, urging the community to recognise and address loneliness and isolation among neurodivergent youth and to build stronger emotional and social safety nets. Interactive breakout sessions gave attendees tangible tools. "Supporting Learning" and "Managing Meltdowns" were led by Marsha Pemberton, Huelette McNickle and Mrs.
Cynthia Grenyion and Kate Malin ran an important discussion on "Safety and Sexual Development," focusing on healthy communication and strategies to protect children from sexual abuse. Entrepreneur Jamoi Anselm shared his story of resilience in "A Day in My Shoes," offering inspiration about living beyond a diagnosis.
The symposium closed with a panel on "BVI Initiatives in Health, Education and Community" featuring Dr. Natasha Frett and Crystal Estridge, who outlined how families can access local professional supports. Young Autism Awareness Champion Amiyah R. Chang from Anegada emphasised how meaningful such inclusive spaces are for both neurodivergent individuals and their siblings.
Lemonade BVI thanked volunteers, sponsors, partners and the host venue for helping create a welcoming environment. For BVI residents, the symposium highlighted the urgent need for island-wide coordination of services, better awareness in schools and stronger community supports. The full symposium is available to view on Lemonade BVI’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/hlDpnI3WAKE
Primary source: Guavaberry