Introduction
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects individuals and caregivers across East Africa, yet there is a critical need to enhance understanding, access to services, and inclusion for those on the spectrum. Step Up 4 Autism, based in Nairobi, Kenya, has been at the forefront of advocacy, education, and service provision for individuals with autism since its founding in 2017
Conference Objectives
1.Raise Awareness and Understanding of Autism: To educate and increase public knowledge on autism, focusing on how to foster acceptance and inclusion across East Africa.
2. Strengthen Regional Partnerships: To create stronger collaborations among governments, NGOs, healthcare providers, educators, and caregivers in order to improve access to education, healthcare, and support services for autistic individuals.
3. Influence Policy and Promote Inclusive Practices: To engage policymakers, advocating for inclusive policies that cater to the needs of people with autism, especially in education and healthcare sectors, with a focus on both rural and urban communities.
4. Celebrate the Abilities of Autistic Individuals: To provide a platform where children and young adults with autism can showcase their talents and abilities, breaking stigmas and promoting a culture of inclusion.
Achievements of Step Up 4 Autism
Step Up 4 Autism has made significant strides in autism advocacy and support across Kenya and beyond, with notable achievements that will provide a solid foundation for the conference:
1. Free Therapy Services: Since 2017, we have provided free therapy services—speech, play, and occupational therapy—to over 1,000 children with autism and other special needs in Mathare slums, Nairobi.
2. Mr. and Miss Autism Kenya Event: Co-founded and hosted the Mr. and Miss Autism Kenya event since 2017, bringing together thousands of stakeholders and creating an inclusive platform where children with disabilities can showcase their talents.
3.Autism Awareness 5KM Run: Organized the Autism Awareness 5KM Run in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, helping to raise awareness in rural Kenya about autism and the importance of inclusion.
4. Social Media Advocacy: Used social media platforms to educate the public about autism, encourage parents, and provide a support system for caregivers with children on the spectrum.
5. Food Drives: Organized food drives for caregivers with children with special needs in Nairobi, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive nutritional support during difficult times.
Conclusion
The East Africa Autism Conference 2025 represents a critical step in advancing autism advocacy, education, and service delivery across the region. By bringing together key stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers, this conference will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for autistic individuals in East Africa.
In April 2019 we did the first autism awareness cross country race in Iten town, Elgeyo Marakwet county. Through this race we brought together hundreds of children and adults with special needs together with their parents and caregivers joined by community members. People got to register to participate in the race and run for autism
leadership training and benchmarking and learning in other countries to be able to sharpen the skills of members in our organization so that they can better handle the work that we do.
The pageant aims to raise Autism awareness by selecting the three main ambassadors for the Autism community in Kenya; The Light of Autism Kenya who is either a male or female with autism, Mr. Autism a male without autism and Miss Autism Kenya a female without autism.