Autism Connect was founded in 2018 by speech therapists Sirlon George, Donnella Rodriguez and Natasha Scott-Bernard.
Later accompanied by developmental disabilities specialist Gabriella Sankar, the group saw the need for advocating and training parents, teachers and other providers based on their professional experience.
As founders of Right Start Early Intervention Program for Autism- Sirlon and Donnella were compelled to continue the mission of inclusive opportunities for autistic learners.
Moving forward, ACTT hopes to build stronger support systems for autistic individuals in our community.
Autism Connect of Trinidad & Tobago (ACTT) is dedicated to creating a world where individuals with autism are valued, understood, and empowered.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, resources, and inclusive education, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society.
We are committed to promoting awareness, facilitating learning, and building a community that embraces and celebrates the unique strengths and potential of individuals with autism in Trinidad and Tobago.
We approach our work with deep empathy and compassion, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of individuals with autism and their families.
We believe in the power of inclusion and strive to create a world where every individual, regardless of their abilities, is valued and included.
We foster collaboration among educators, parents, caregivers, and the broader community to create a unified support network for individuals with autism.
We are committed to innovation and continuously seek new and effective strategies to enhance autism support and education.
We are dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based education and resources to empower autistic individuals and those who support them.
We empower autistic individuals to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
We believe in the strength of a supportive and understanding community that comes together to learn, grow, and create positive change.
We advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals with autism, working to remove barriers and promote inclusion.
We are committed to lifelong learning and adapt our approaches to best serve the evolving needs of the autism community.
We treat every individual with respect and dignity, acknowledging their worth and unique contributions.
Donnella Rodriguez, MS, CCC-SLP, is a dedicated Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist for just over 18 years renowned for her compassionate approach and expertise in early childhood development.
With a Bachelor’s in Special Education from Barry University and a Master’s in Speech Pathology from Nova Southeastern University, Donnella is passionate and has a unique approach to therapy, tailoring each treatment plan to the individual needs of her clients.
She believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with clients, families, and other healthcare professionals to achieve the best outcomes.
Renowned nationally, she serves as a therapist, consultant, and engaging speaker, drawing from her personal journey as a parent of a neurodivergent child. She is a compassionate and dedicated professional who is committed to helping her clients reach their full potential. In her spare time,
Donnella enjoys cooking, karaoke singing, and spending time with her husband and 2 sons.
Natasha Scott-Bernard, MS, CCC-SLP, is speech-language pathologist driven by her steadfast commitment to continual growth and patient-centered care.
Natasha earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Florida.
Following her academic pursuits, she gained valuable experience working at an interdisciplinary practice in Tampa before returning to her roots in Trinidad, where she established her own private practice in 2013.
Natasha finds her professional fulfillment in collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to advocate for individuals with communication disorders and their families.
Drawing from her own journey as a type 1 diabetic of over 20 years, as well as her roles as a devoted wife and mother to a spirited toddler, Natasha leverages her personal experiences to forge meaningful connections with her clients and their loved ones.
She firmly believes in a strengths-based approach with a focus on earning trust to effectively support those under her care.
She cherishes the opportunity to guide her clients on their unique paths to success climbing the ladder one rung at a time.
Gabriella Sankar, MS, DDS is a Developmental Disabilities Specialist guided by her love for children and passion for supporting families of those with additional needs.
Gabby has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Developmental Disabilities where she specialized in Early Childhood.
She has been supporting children’s learning and development for 7+ years after starting her career in Tampa, Florida. She then came back to Trinidad and established her private practice where she has been working directly with parents, children, caregivers and teachers ever since.
Gabby is driven by her enthusiasm for her work and commitment to making a positive impact. She firmly believes in empowering parents to become advocates for their children, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources they need to support their child’s development effectively.
Committed to spreading awareness and education within her community, Gabby actively advocates for children with additional needs, striving to create a more inclusive society.
She enjoys collaborating closely with other professionals, fostering a supportive network to facilitate holistic care and growth. Through her efforts, Gabby creates opportunities for her clients to thrive, providing tailored support to help them reach their fullest potential.
She is dedicated to making information accessible to all and is deeply invested in contributing to the success and well-being of every individual she works with.
Sirlon George is a Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist for the past 15 years. She studied and earned her Masters degree at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. While studying at Nova Southeastern, Sirlon worked at the Bauduin preschool for children with Autism.
Sirlon moved to Trinidad in 2010, and co-founded the Right Start Early Intervention program for children with Autism.
Sirlon currently runs and owns her own private clinic, where she works alongside an Occupational Therapist doing co-treatment sessions.
Sirlon believes in full parent involvement in therapy. She teaches parents how to understand and communicate better with their autistic child, through the More Than Words parent training program.
Sirlon supports parents in advocating for their child within their own family circles, and then advocating for them out in their communities.
Sirlon considers herself an ambassador of the world. She enjoys travelling, cooking, and having thought provoking conversations that allows for introspection, thought and wonder.
