Afternoon group session photo with guest speaker Sir Richard CN Branson. Photo: Lemonade BVI

Unite BVI's Kim Takeuchi and Lemonade BVI's Simone Foster giving the vote of thanks. Photo: Lemonade BVI

Sir Richard CN Branson answering questions received from neurodiverse children. Photo: Lemonade BVI

The event raised awareness about ADHD and Dyslexia, focusing on both the challenges and the strengths of neurodiverse individuals. Our goal was to foster understanding, provide resources, and work towards eliminating the stigma surrounding neurodiversity. ADHD and Dyslexia awareness is celebrated each year during the month of October. 

Key issues highlighted were:
• Children are struggling in environments not designed for their learning needs.
• Families are often unprepared to support neurodiverse children at home.
• Neurodiverse individuals are frequently forced to adapt to societal expectations that fail to recognize their unique potential.

Dr Cathy McLain, Founder of MAC Georgia, opened the event by sharing her professional experiences as a therapist and her personal experience as a mother of neurodiverse children. Her insights sparked a dynamic discussion about identifying and supporting ADHD in both children and adults.

An ADHD panel discussion followed, moderated by Dr. Michael Turnbull, Founder of The Wellness Center. The panel featured educators from Enis Adams Primary School, Elmore Stoutt High School, and Cedar International School, as well as parents of neurodivergent children, including Simone Foster, Founder of Lemonade BVI, and Clare Cottreau, mother of a neurodivergent high school honors graduate. The conversation emphasized the importance of perseverance, support in the classroom and at home, and of never giving up on children, no matter how tough things may seem.

Key takeaways for parents and caregivers included:

• Be patient.
• Ignore judgment from others.
• Trust your instincts.
• Seek professional help when needed.
• Discuss medication options with your doctor.
• Maintain open communication with teachers and caregivers.
• Foster independence in your child.
• Early intervention is crucial.
• Remember, you are not alone.

In the next segment, Lisa-Anne Redfern, Founder of Barefoot Trainer, and Tilly Bruce provided specialized training based on the Made by Dyslexia program. Attendees learned about dyslexic thinking, its seven archetypes, and how to identify and support dyslexic thinkers. Participants also engaged in an interactive live session with Kate Griggs, Founder of Made by Dyslexia, and Josh Clark, Chairman of the International Dyslexia Association, who emphasized the importance of understanding the unique challenges and strengths of dyslexic learners.

Practical tips for dyslexic learners included:
• Embrace and communicate your strengths.
• Be open about your dyslexia.
• Don’t punish children by taking away what they excel at.
• Equip yourself with knowledge to support dyslexic children.
• Challenge outdated methods of standardized testing that focus on limitations rather than abilities.

In the afternoon, Sir Richard CN Branson joined in person to share his own experiences growing up with dyslexia in a dynamic session where he answered questions from children and adults in attendance. He highlighted the importance of parental support and described how channelling his dyslexia strengths powered rather than hindered his business success.

Next, the group activity, “Don’t Drop the Ball,” gave participants a hands-on experience of the mental juggling involved in managing tasks with a neurodiverse brain. It underscored the importance of communication and provided a window into navigating the neurotypical world as a neurodivergent individual.

Then, Afiya Turnbull-Smith, the BVI’s Education Officer for Exceptional Education, provided updates on relevant advancements in the local education system geared towards supporting exceptional learners, and Victoria Ghiorse of Cedar School’s Solution Studio shared available resources, including an infographic outlining the steps to support children with additional needs in the BVI.

Free resources and books about ADHD, Dyslexia and other neurodiversities were provided to attendees. Each attendee also left the symposium with a certificate of completion, which is recognized as professional development hours for educators. High school volunteers also earned community service hours. Together, we certified over 100 individuals to Empower ADHD and Dyslexic Thinking!

Thanks to partners Unite BVI for funding support which helped make this a free event, as well as our additional sponsors who made our event giveaways possible:

Also, special thanks to our handy helper volunteers from Elmore Stoutt High School, Cedar School, Seventh Day Adventist High School and Enis Adams Primary School who made on-site childcare possible. Many other unsung heroes in our BVI community also contributed to the success of this symposium. We thank you all!

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Lemonade (BVI) Limited is a registered NPO focussed on advocacy, community and empowerment for special needs. We host parent support sessions each month. Info@lemonadebvi.orgBarefoot Hospitality Training & Coaching teaches luxury hospitality and customer service to businesses and teams. https://barefoottrainerbvi.com