The organisation stated that such rhetoric is harmful and reinforces stigma for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Dr Delia Samuel, President of HAPA, expressed her concern over public misunderstanding of the condition.

“What’s happening is the public does not understand what autism is. Okay, the public knows that it is a disability and it is a disability, but there’s nothing wrong with being disabled.”

She continued: “Disabled people are not less than, we are different but not less. I will publicly say to you that I am autistic. I have a PhD in mathematics and I am very, very much a contributing member of society as a mathematics professor. So to use autistic as a slow, as a weapon, as a derogatory term to belittle someone is wrong. And it is harming already a vulnerable community.”

Dr Samuel also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families.

“Autistic individuals and their families are subject to so much microaggression in Saint Lucia. They are called names because they are disabled. A lot of parents keep their children hidden because they want to protect their children from society. I want to call on the public, call on St. Lucians to act with empathy. Educate yourselves about what autism is. It is a neurodevelopmental condition.”

She emphasised the dignity and rights of autistic persons. “There’s nothing wrong in being autistic. Autistic individuals are not broken. They are not burdens to society. Would you have ever thought that I am autistic? To mock an autistic person or to use autistic in a way that is a mockery is an insult. Autistic individuals and their families need understanding, they need compassion, they need to live in dignity. It is a basic human right.”

Dr Samuel concluded with a call for education, empathy, and respect.

“Please, I call on the public. Educate yourself. Understand this already vulnerable community who need love. That’s all we need. We need love, we need support, we need understanding. I come out strongly against anyone who wants to use the word " autistic in a derogatory manner. We can do better. Choose better.”

The association’s statement underscores the importance of informed and compassionate discourse, particularly when referring to neurodiverse communities.