Students at Grazettes Primary School were encouraged to embrace autism as a “superpower” as the school marked Autism Awareness activities on Wednesday ahead of World Autism Awareness Day.
Principal Collette Applewhaite told Barbados TODAY that during morning assembly, she underscored the school’s belief in inclusivity and the value of every child.
“Now, at Grazettes Primary School, we believe deeply that autism is not a disability. It is a varying ability,” she said.
She told students that each individual brings something meaningful to the school environment. “Every single child here brings their own strengths, their own perspectives, their own gifts, and as a school family, we embrace what that diversity brings to our community because that can do nothing but help us to build.”
Encouraging self-confidence and peer support, she added: “We are always encouraging the students to celebrate their unique superpowers… and to encourage their peers as well, to show what they can do to live up to their talents.”
Applewhaite stressed that recognising each child’s individuality creates a stronger, more supportive environment: “When we are able to show or give value to every student’s individuality, we are able to create a school where everybody can feel valued and supported and they’re empowered to shine.”
The school joined global efforts by wearing blue, aligning with activities leading up to World Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on April 2. This year’s theme is “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value”.
Reflecting on the importance of awareness, she said: “We really are glad that we’ve had the opportunity to celebrate… so that we can grow a community which is a culture of acceptance, a culture of respect, a culture of understanding.”
She reminded students that differences should be embraced rather than feared: “It may seem different, but it’s those differences that help us to grow and help us to really be our best selves.”
The principal also described the observance as a fitting way to close the school term, adding that students should return with a renewed sense of pride in who they are because “our differences make us who we are”.
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