When Shana Gamatis speaks about her seven-year-old son, Jaquarius, her words carry the weight of struggle and adjustment. “He is a blessing,” she says simply.
Her story forms part of Parenting on the Spectrum, a special Victoria Scope series sharing the experiences of Seychellois parents raising children with autism. Shana, 26, lives in Port Launay and has been navigating this journey since early signs first appeared in 2020.
She recalls becoming concerned when Jaquarius showed delays in speech. Even before that, she says he had failed his one and two-year developmental tests. As he grew, other signs appeared. He became fascinated with light and shadows, was drawn to mirrors and was highly sensitive to noise.
He developed strong preferences around food and was particularly interested in circular objects, such as wheels. Shana also noticed that he walked on tiptoes and relied heavily on his left hand. “Even when he was sleeping, his left hand would stay up,” she says.
Seeking help, Shana approached a maternal and child health nurse. Jaquarius later received occupational therapy to support his left-hand use and sensory integration. She describes the support as helpful but says the emotional adjustment took much longer.
Jaquarius was formally diagnosed with autism in 2023. By then, Shana says, she had already been learning to adapt. The diagnosis brought clarity, but it also marked the beginning of a wider change for her family as they reshaped their lives around his needs.
Now in Primary One at Port Glaud, Jaquarius is, in his mother’s words, a child who keeps to himself, but is sweet, kind and intelligent. He loves animals, enjoys attention and responds well to praise.
Some challenges remain. Shana says managing his temper in certain situations can be difficult, particularly in noisy environments such as public buses or large gatherings like church. School, she adds, is not always comfortable for him.
As a young mother, she also speaks of feeling judged by others who do not understand autism. “That judgment can be discouraging,” she says, even when a parent is trying their best.
Three years on from his diagnosis, Shana says she is focused on creating a nurturing and loving environment. Her message to other parents is simple: take your time, expect many emotions, and always be there for your child. She also asks the public to show more sensitivity and support.
For the future, her hope is that she and Jaquarius will continue to learn and grow together, and that he will not be defined or limited by his condition. Today, Jaquarius dreams of becoming a pilot or a doctor, just like the television character Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor.