Lemonade BVI’s 2nd Annual ADHD & Dyslexia Symposium highlighted strategies to use in our community and the workplace to support neurodiversity.
October 11th at the Save the Seed Energy Centre. The day brought together over 150 people - parents, educators, medical professionals, specialists, advocates, and community leaders - in a shared mission to build understanding, promote inclusion, and celebrate neurodiversity across the Virgin Islands. This included 15 attendees from Virgin Gorda. We are proud that our event enabled all educators in attendance to earn professional development hours and throughout the day participants were able to focus on their wellbeing by receiving free mini massages from Elegant Holistic Spa.
The symposium opened with a moving prayer from Apostle Curnal Fahie, grounding the day in compassion and unity, followed by an engaging presentation from Dr. Jardine Torno on “The Changing Face of ADHD: From Childhood Signs to Adult Realities.”
A morning panel — “Perspectives on ADHD: Is ADHD Just an Excuse for Bad Behaviour?” — featured Dr. Josephine Claxton-Richardson, Apostle Fahie, Dr. Torno and Dr. Mike Turnbull, who unpacked misconceptions and encouraged empathy in both homes and classrooms.
“I was genuinely amazed at the wealth of information shared at the symposium. I wish more people were there physically to experience this overflow and outpouring of theoretical and experiential knowledge, which can change lives forever. No one who attended left the way they came. In fact, I believe everyone left changed and transformed forever!” - Apostle Curnal Fahie.
Breakout sessions provided rich opportunities for learning and dialogue:
• Play Therapy and Supporting ASD Learning and Development — led by Dr.
Josephine Claxton-Richardson, Rosemarie Munroe, and Dr. Cynthia Grenyion, explored the power of play in supporting growth and connection with neurodiverse children.
• Seeing Through a Different Lens: Understanding Dyslexia — with Tilly Bruce, Kate Mallin, and Otrisha John-Prescott, built empathy for dyslexic learners and shared practical classroom strategies.• ADHD and Me: Just Getting Through the Day — with Dr. Rylene Lobaton Marijuan, Crystal Estridge, and Latoya Brown, gave voice to lived experience and daily resilience.
A virtual presentation from Chester Lakatoo on Dyslexia Screening and Classroom Support preceded an honest discussion on “Navigating Challenges in Our World” with Dr. Connie George and TyJenica Maduro-George, focusing on real solutions for neurodiverse families.
Afternoon chats featured Micah Hall (ADHD in the Workplace) and Dr. Josephine Claxton-Richardson (Supporting Mental Health in Neurodiverse Individuals and their Caregivers), each of whom emphasized understanding, self-compassion, and inclusion.
“I was honoured to be asked by Simone to contribute to this ground-breaking event which helped to spread awareness and understanding of the ways that employers can support and take advantage of employees with ADHD.” – Micah Hall – Lawyer
The day closed with “Speaking Kind Words to Ourselves and Our Dyslexic Thinkers” — a heartfelt panel with Kate Mallin, Latoya Brown, Otrisha John-Prescott, and Marsha Pemberton, encouraging empathy in every home and classroom.
Special thanks also to Afiya Smith, Crystal Estridge, and Alfreda Gordon-Wheatley for their insights during “BVI Initiatives and Support in Health, Education, and Community Life,” highlighting the Territory’s progress in inclusive education and support. Speakers and attendees alike commented on the improvements in the services available in the BVI for neurodivergent children and families over the past few years, with many feeling hopeful about further progress in the future.
“As a parent of an ADD child, and a stepsister to my neurodivergent brother, God allowed this experience to help me care for and nurture my students. Is it easy, no. Do I have off days, yes. However, as a teacher with 27 years of experience, being able to recognize neurodivergence children has helped me to help others understand their challenges and parents to accept their differences as I too have a similar story. Today I stand as a principal, still advocating for children that are neurodivergent. We all fit together, even with our flaws.” - Alfreda Gordon-Wheatley – Principal, Agape Total Life Academy.
Lemonade BVI extended deep gratitude to the volunteers who made the day seamless and welcoming — from registration and hospitality to childcare and logistics. Your warmth and commitment reflect the true spirit of community that Lemonade represents.