Message Delivered by the Minister of Education, Senator the Hon. Crystal Caesar, JP at the Bermuda Autism Support & Education’s Proclamation Day April 1st 2026.
His Worship the Mayor, representatives from Bermuda Autism Support and Education (BASE), Tomorrow’s Voices, families, educators, and, most importantly, our neurodivergent community members. It is my pleasure to be here today to help kick off Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. This year, the theme is simple yet profound: "Celebrate Differences."
For too long, the conversation around autism has focused on what is "missing" or what needs to be "fixed." But as we stand here in 2026, Bermuda is choosing a different path. We are moving away from seeing autism as a challenge to be solved, and toward accepting autism and neurodiversity as a vital part of the human tapestry that has always been with us and today we readily embrace and acknowledge.
To celebrate differences is to accept that a neurodiverse Bermuda is a stronger, more vibrant Bermuda. Neurodiversity is how we describe limitless variation in neurocognitive functioning within human beings. Simply put, it is the unique ways in which we think, learn, and process sensory input; how we see the world, and how we interact with others. When we say "Celebrate Differences," we are talking about celebrating the unique ways that neurodivergent brains are wired. We see this in Hyperlexia, where a child may have an extraordinary, early ability to read words, even as they work to develop the language to express their feelings.
We see it in the uneven development that often characterizes autistic people - where a person may be talented in one area while requiring significant support in another. These are not "errors" in development; they are the diverse ways in which our citizens experience the world.
Whether it is a need for specific sensory accommodations or a unique way of relating to others through shared experiences, these differences deserve our respect and our celebration. Celebrating differences also means being honest about the barriers that exist. We know that many families are facing challenges at the daycare and preschool levels due to a lack of awareness, specialized training, and system capacity. We know that navigating assessments for young children can be challenging. We understand the range of emotions parents experience when receiving a diagnosis for their child for the first time.Our commitment to this year's theme is backed by our actions.
The government is working to ensure that:
- Inclusive Education isn't just a buzzword, but a well-resourced reality in the Bermuda Public School System.
- Early Intervention services are expanded to support our children from the moment they are identified.
- Parental Supports are increased to ensure that families are supported
- Societal Barriers like bullying and misunderstanding are replaced by a culture of awareness, accommodation, and authentic acceptance.
| challenge the people of Bermuda to Celebrate Differences in your nurseries, your schools, your workplaces, your pews, and your neighborhoods.
- If a colleague processes information differently, celebrate the new perspective they bring.
- lf a student in your classroom has unique sensory needs, celebrate the opportunity to create a more comfortable space for everyone.
To our autistic community: Your differences contribute to the beautiful mosaic that is our community. They are a part of who you are, and you are an essential part of who we are as a nation. We accept you and we celebrate you!