Health Minister Michael Joseph says the government is moving urgently to establish a Cognitive Behaviour Centre to support children with autism spectrum disorder and their families after what he described as emotional and eye-opening encounters with parents struggling to cope.

Speaking on Point Sunday, Joseph revealed that during the recent election campaign in Rural West, he encountered numerous families caring for children with autism, many of whom were unable to maintain employment because they had to remain home full-time caring for their children.

“It’s a significant burden on the family,” Joseph said.

The minister said he was further shocked after data presented at an autism awareness event indicated that one in every 31 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

“That for me was like a wow moment,” he stated.

Joseph recounted emotional testimonies from parents who described the daily challenges they face and their fears about the future care of their children.

“One lady started to cry and said, ‘We need more support,’” he recalled.

The minister said the government is now negotiating to bring experienced specialists back to Antigua and Barbuda while also seeking occupational therapists and speech pathologists to support the development of the centre.

Joseph revealed that a university in Atlanta specializing in autism spectrum disorder has already expressed interest in collaborating with Antigua and Barbuda on the initiative.

He stressed that autism support must go beyond childhood intervention and focus on long-term integration into society.

“Autistic children become autistic adults,” Joseph said as he highlighted the fear many parents face about who will care for their children when they are no longer able to do so.