Action Network for the Disabled (ANDY) is supporting the Autism Awareness campaign, which is telling Kenyans all about this little-recognised disability. 

ANDY’s Maxwell joins Autism Awareness Kenya’s Director 
Sospeter Kioko Munguti and counsellor Trixie Pujol
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong development disability that typically appears during the first 36 months of age. It affects communication, behaviour and social skills and interactions. Typical communications signs that a child is autistic include limiting point/gestures, peculiar use of language and not responding when their name is called. Behavioural signs include unusual toy play or repetitive body movements, while socially they may make very little eye contact, show little interest in being held and have difficulty developing friendships with other children.
It is not a disease so there is no 'cure', but with treatment and the right education and care any autistic child can go on to lead a full and active life; having jobs, relationships and playing a valuable role in their community. 
ANDY's Joshua and Lilian join Trixie on the stand
ANDY represents and supports persons with all types of disability, so we jumped at the chance to join Autism Awareness Kenya at an information stand at Yaya centre, Nairobi, today. Autism Awareness Kenya is a society organised by parents of children with autism and the professionals who work with them to unlock their potential. 

ANDY colleagues will also be on other Autism Awareness Kenya stands in shopping centres across the city over the next three days, and we will have our own stand at the Funday on Sunday, between 10am and 4pm at the Goan Institute in Pangani. It's FREE to enter, and there will be live music, a DJ, and lots of stuff for kids including face-painting and a bouncy castle. There will be food available to buy, or you can bring your own picnic.
Please come along and learn more about autism, meet the professionals and experts in the field and above all, have some fun. If you cannot make it on Sunday and think that your child or one you know may have autism, assessments are available at the ENT department of Kenyatta Hospital, every Tuesday and Thursday. The Special Education Professionals (SEP) also carry out assessment centres at Gertrude's Hospital from 9-12 on the third Saturday of every month. If you are outside Nairobi, go to your local Ministry of Education office and ask for details of your nearest Education Assessment Resource Centre (EARC).


Autism Awareness Kenya is looking for parents, professionals and passionate volunteers to form into groups across the country.For more information or just to get in touch go to facebook and search for Autism Awareness Kenya.