Searchlight columnist on autism awareness mission

Vincentian Rosanne Small-Morgan is making strides on her mission to bring more awareness and understanding about the life-changing issue of autism within minority and Caribbean communities.Over the past few years, Rosanne, who is a radio host, a SEARCHLIGHT newspaper columnist, consumer advocate, comedienne, wife and mother, overcame several life challenges and is now a well-known advocate for autism.{{more}}

From a personal perspective, Rosanne’s journey was fuelled by her experience with her 12-year-old son Zane, who is autistic.

According to her, “Even though he’s quite high functioning and smart, it has been an uphill battle and fight to get him [accommodated] in the society around us. I also found that there weren’t many people in my Caribbean community who were talking openly and candidly regarding their trials re: autism.”

Rosanne, who lives in the United States, is now a noted and in demand speaker on autism. She has graced several forums in North-America and the Caribbean, such as the Vincy Cares Awards dinner in New York and the annual Karen Hinds Phenomenal Woman’s Conference in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

In order to impart information on this heavy topic, during her speaking engagements Rosie utilizes her talent for storytelling and stand-up comedy as her general approach.

She shared “I think I can help bring more of a spotlight and understanding through my comedic type talks/lectures and helpful, personal tips about autism and give feedback to the audience on how our family handled particular challenges.”

Even amidst authoring a soon to be released book on autism and with aspirations of working with any other organization that supports autism or special needs, Rosie remains determined to make the topic less taboo in the Caribbean market.

“My hope is that my presentations will open up the dialogue for several people to come forward and either seek assistance or start support groups throughout our islands and the diaspora as a whole.”

To obtain more information about Rosanne please utilize the following contacts: www.rosietalkslife.com, Email: Rosietalkslife@gmail.com, Facebook Page: Rosie Talks Autism, Relationships and Life Skills or call 516-236-6987