This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
On August 7, 2019, Nairobi County Assembly made history by becoming the first devolved unit to pass the Autism Education Motion, with Members of County Assembly (MCAs) unanimously voting in favor of the motion.
The Autism Education Motion aims to provide children with Autism in the capital with access to effective and appropriate public education that meets their unique individual needs.
Autism is a developmental disorder of neurological origin that can have lifelong effects on social interaction, communication, and social skills.
Research indicates that early intervention, especially in Early Childhood Development Centers, provides the most effective Autism therapy.
Applied Behavior Analysis has been shown to significantly improve the quality of life and outcomes of children with Autism, reducing the immense strain on families.
During the debate, it emerged that families are spending over Ksh 400,000 on a monthly basis to manage their children suffering with Autism, making it an unbearable cost.
The Autism Education Motion seeks to address this issue by ensuring that families with children with Autism have access to the best education available.
The motion also aims to bring an end to instances where children with Autism are sent away from school and to ensure that schools are properly equipped and have the personnel to teach such children.
Autism Lights, a nonprofit organization, is championing the campaign to improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with Autism and create Autism awareness.
