Bavina Sookdeo
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, encompasses a wide range of neurological conditions marked by differences in social interaction, communication – both verbal and non-verbal – and repetitive behaviours. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism currently affects about one in 36 children and one in 45 adults in the US.
World Autism Awareness Day was observed on April 2, and April is recognised globally as World Autism Acceptance Month. This year’s 2025 theme, Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasises the vital connection between neurodiversity and global sustainability. It underscores how inclusive policies and practices can not only support autistic individuals but also help drive progress toward achieving the SDGs on a broader scale.
Locally, numerous organisations and dedicated individuals have been making meaningful strides to improve the lives of those affected by autism. Among them is Susan De Freitas, founder of The Strategic Learning and Special Education Institute in Trincity. Since opening its doors in 2005, the school has evolved from a small programme for children with developmental challenges into a comprehensive educational institution. Today, it serves nearly 100 students – an estimated 99 per cent of whom are on the autism spectrum. The institute places strong emphasis on understanding, inclusion, and meaningful transformation. De Freitas, the programme director and a specialist trained in the Developmental, Individual-differences and Relationship-based (DIR®) model, has spent nearly two decades cultivating the space where children with autism are seen, supported and empowered.
“The model that is used at the institution focuses on a child gaining mastery of crucial developmental milestones that is critical to a child’s development and future education,” De Freitas told Newsday.
“Academic achievement can only be attained when certain developmental capacities are mastered, and this can only be done through individual work with each student and their families.”
At the heart of the school’s philosophy is DIR Floortime, a play-based, child-centred approach that promotes communication, emotional functioning, and sensory processing through deep relationships and emotional engagement.
[caption id="attachment_1148298" align="alignnone" width="768"] A student of The Strategic Learning and Special Education Institute during a floor time exercise. -[/caption]
“This model emphasises the importance of relationships and emotional connections in promoting healthy development,” she said.
De Freitas has ensured that the school offers a broad range of programmes tailored to students’ developmental levels. These include early intervention, elementary-level education focused on exams like the SEA and school-leaving certificate, as well as life skills and independent living training.
“Our students graduate out of our programme,” De Freitas stated with pride.
These tailored paths ensure that learning is never c
