(Jamaica) School expands SPED program for more children with autism

June 15, 2026, Maranatha expands special needs unit | News | Jamaica Star

Maranatha Basic School is expanding its special education programme to accommodate more children with autism and other neurodivergent conditions, offering hope to parents who have struggled for years to secure a place for their children.

 “We have started refurbishing a section of the school. We had a section that was locked up and we are now working on it to be used for autistic students,” principal Arlene Lesley-Bernard shared.

 The school currently has a population of 120 students, including 10 children with special needs, but plans are now under way to expand capacity to take in up to 30 more children beginning in September.

 “We have a lot of parents who have been coming in to ask questions because we made our flyers and sent them out to say we are accepting children with special needs come September. I have gotten numerous calls,” Bernard said. . . .

 Their desperation is understandable. In Jamaica, it is estimated that one in every 100 children is diagnosed with autism, but advocates say access to specialised schools and early intervention remains limited. 

 Families often face long waits for assessments and school placements, with approximately 223 children presenting symptoms of autism currently on the waiting list at The Mico CARE Centre. Experts have also pointed to shortages in behavioural, occupational and speech therapy services islandwide. . . .

 “We have trained teachers on staff, and we have trained teachers that are expected to come September. We have counsellors who come in, we are also aligned with Early Stimulation, so they send personnel from outside to do their diagnostic testing.”

 “They are in the regular classroom with the other children. They learn through the same teaching aids and assistance.”

 Even children who are non-verbal have shown progress. . . .

 “This is the only school in the area that actually accepts neurodivergent kids. I’ve done my research and this is the only institution in the entire area that offers services for kids on the spectrum.”

 She recalled the challenges of trying to find a safe learning environment for her son before enrolling him at Maranatha. . . .