Walking Together: Sydia Allen’s Journey for Autism Awareness
As a mother of two autistic sons, Sydia Allen has learned that putting others before herself is essential. This guiding principle shapes her life and fuels her passion for advocating for the autism community. In April, during Autism Awareness Month, Sydia is stepping up her efforts by organizing the "Walk With Me" March for autism awareness, set to take place this Sunday at 6 a.m. in Emancipation Park.
The march is more than just a walk; it’s a call to action. Following the event, Sydia has arranged a panel discussion featuring psychologists who will share valuable insights with parents and caregivers of children living with autism. This is a golden opportunity for families to connect, share their challenges, and learn from experts about navigating life with autistic children.
“I want to promote awareness most of all, and inclusivity,” Sydia shared passionately. “I want to break the stigma that surrounds autism. Many parents don’t know how to care for their child or what steps to take after a diagnosis.” Her commitment to education and empowerment shines through her words, as she aims to help families understand that autism is not a limitation but a unique way of being.
Sydia’s journey into advocacy began with her own sons, Paul-Michael, six, and Emmett, nine, both of whom are on the autism spectrum but have different needs and strengths. This personal experience has given her a soft spot for young parents who feel overwhelmed after receiving a diagnosis. “It’s important for them to know which level on the spectrum their child is,” she explained. “If therapy is needed, it’s crucial to start as soon as possible. Don’t be ashamed of your child; they are unique and special.”
Her compassion extends beyond her family. Recently, she met with a distressed parent who was struggling with community judgment and ridicule. “I encouraged her because it’s not the end of the world,” Sydia said, emphasizing the importance of support and understanding in these tough times.
A New Path: The Jamaica Autism Academy
Sydia’s commitment to the autism community led her to establish the Jamaica Autism Academy, a venture born out of necessity after her sons faced challenges in traditional schools. “For children on the spectrum, traditional schools can be harsh. They often face bullying and don’t receive the attention they need,” she explained. Homeschooling her sons became a solution, and soon other parents sought her help to educate their autistic children.
The academy is currently operating on a small scale, but Sydia dreams of expanding it into a larger, more inclusive environment. “We want to create a mini campus where children can receive all their therapy and education under one roof,” she said. This vision aims to alleviate the burden on parents who struggle to afford multiple therapy sessions, which can cost between $10,000 to $15,000 each.
“Imagine a child who is non-verbal needing five therapy sessions a week. How can a regular Jamaican afford that?” Sydia asked, highlighting the financial strain many families face. Her goal is to provide a facility that meets all the needs of neurodiverse children, including those with ADHD and ADD, alongside neurotypical students.
Join the Movement
Sydia Allen invites everyone to join the "Walk With Me" March this Sunday, free of charge. It’s a chance to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and advocate for greater support for autism. As she puts it, “Together, we can change the narrative around autism and create a community that embraces neurodiversity.”
So, are you ready to walk with her? Let’s take a step towards understanding and acceptance, one stride at a time.