On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, established by the United Nations in 2007 and observed each April 2, Magik 9 conducted an interview with psychologist Pascal Néry Jean-Charles. This discussion provided an opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by people living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Haiti, as well as their families, while outlining possible solutions requiring increased involvement from the State.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a permanent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in communication, social interactions, as well as sensory particularities. “People on the autism spectrum present particularities in verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as in social interactions. They may have difficulty understanding language nuances, making eye contact, or interpreting others’ emotions. Their functioning may also include sensory specificities,” explains Pascal Néry Jean-Charles. These characteristics profoundly influence how these individuals perceive, understand, and interact with their environment.