A new charity has been launched to empower and support autistic individuals and their families in the Cayman Islands.
The non-profit organisation, Autism Acceptance, was formed in January to foster acceptance, promote inclusivity, provide essential resources and support, and educate the community to create a culture of understanding and advocacy for autistic individuals and their families, according to founder and board chair Chelsea Flynn.
“Autism Acceptance was born from the vision and passion of autism parents, neurodivergent individuals, and dedicated allies who saw a critical gap in support and inclusion for the autistic community in the Cayman Islands,” Flynn told the Cayman Compass.
‘Commitment to change’
United by lived experience and a “shared commitment to change”, Flynn, who is the mother of an autistic child, said the group came together to “create a movement, not just a message”.
For Flynn, her world changed in 2019 when her second child, Jacob, at 18 months, was assessed as autistic – the condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socialises with others, often causing challenges in social interaction and communication.
“I knew nothing about special needs then. When the possibility was raised, I sobbed hard,” she said. “His assessment revealed sensory processing differences and a developmental disability, and it felt like a death sentence.”
She said she was “terrified”, grieving what she described as “the typical path I’d imagined for him walking, talking, eating on schedule, but I was so wrong about what being autistic means”.
Flynn began her “frustrating” journey to navigate through therapy for her son, insurance costs, and the perceived battle for inclusion.
Finding hope through Inclusion Cayman and serving as one of its board members, Flynn said it was through listening to other families who are closely linked to autism that was the turning point for her, which later became the catalyst for the organisation’s goals and mission.
‘Building belonging’
“Although the autistic community in Cayman is large, many still face daily challenges due to the lack of safe spaces, true inclusion, and public understanding. This is not just a gap – it’s a call to action,” Flynn said.
Along with Flynn, who also manages the Autism Caymums and Dads support group, the non-profit includes autism parents and board members Collin Anglin, Shirlene Thames, Helen Winton and Davina Daley.
Their ‘autism allies’ include Robin Barton and Cassandra Lacelle, along with a committee consisting of autistic adults. The group has plans to meet with the Sunrise Adult Training Centre to explore having some of its clients join the committee and share insights from their lived experiences.
In addition to raising awareness, Flynn said the organisation aims to lead with purpose. “We’re building belonging. Through bold, tangible action, we are committed to creating a future where every autistic person is seen, supported, and celebrated.”
Work has already begun for the newly established grassroots organisation. They were selected as the non-profit of choice by the Green Tie Charitable Association gala which was held on 21 March, so that funds raised at that event were donated to Autism Acceptance.
They have delivered a presentation to a leading global corporate firm and recently received a nomination from a major international insurance provider as their charity of choice.
“These early milestones are just the beginning,” Flynn said. “With increased awareness and acceptance, we are hopeful that more individuals and organisations will stand with us to provide the vital support needed.”
Their first major goal is to secure funding for Cayman’s first dedicated, inclusive space, “a safe haven where the autistic community can access critical resources, connection, and support”, Flynn said.
For more on Autism Acceptance, email [email protected] or go to their Facebook and Instagram social media pages.
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