Yveline Alexandre and Dr. Vardy Pharel
Port-au-Prince, April 10, 2026.- Guests on Panel Magik this April 10, Yveline Alexandre and Dr Vardy Pharel call for a better understanding of autism in Haitian communities. They stress the importance of early diagnosis, denounce persistent prejudices and stress the lack of adequate structures in Haiti.
During the broadcast, speakers recalled that autism is not a disease, but a neurodevelopmental condition, often linked to genetic factors. They stressed the need to lift all guilt among parents and to combat the perceived obstacles to the care of the children concerned.
Specialists highlight several early signs: lack of visual contact, language delay, lack of social interaction, repetitive behaviour or hypersensitivity to noise and light. These indicators, which can be observed in the first few months, must alert parents and lead to a rapid assessment involving several professionals, including paediatricians, psychologists and speech therapists.
However, the Haitian reality complicates the care. The country has few specialized structures, a limited number of trained professionals and insufficient institutional supervision. Speakers also denounced the social stigmatization of autistic children and their families, often faced with judgements and exclusion.
In response to this situation, the guests call for increased awareness, strengthening of the specialized education system and more active State involvement. They point out that only better information will help to detect cases earlier and improve the accompaniment of children living with autism spectrum disorders.
W.A.
