The autism situation in Senegal and the foundations of our platform
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a major public health issue in Senegal. Despite an estimated prevalence of 0.8% among young children, dedicated resources remain insufficient and families lack adapted support.
Facing this reality, associations working on autism in Senegal decided to unite within a shared platform to pool their strengths, harmonize practices, and amplify their impact with authorities, partners, and affected families.
The strategic pillars guiding Autism Platform Senegal
Establish a national platform representing Senegal’s autism associations with structured governance.
Train professionals, support workers, and association members in best ASD care practices.
Influence public policy to improve access to services, rights, and resources for autistic children.
Run national awareness campaigns to fight stigma and promote social inclusion.
Develop strategic partnerships with institutions, funders, and the private sector to finance programs.
Provide psychosocial support, mutual-aid networks, and practical resources to families of children with ASD.
Build a shared knowledge base: resource directory, studies, teaching tools, and good practices.
Concrete actions delivered by Autism Platform Senegal
Legal formalization, governance setup, adoption of statutes and operating rules for member associations.
Practical workshops, certified training, and seminars for professionals, families, and association leaders on ASD.
World Autism Awareness Day (2 April), media campaigns, school and community actions across Senegal.
Interactive website, directories of professionals and inclusive schools, online educational games for children with ASD.
Dialogue with ministries, legislative proposals, participation in national and international autism forums.
Support groups, helpline, practical guides, family networking, and parental resilience workshops.
Epidemiological data collection, qualitative studies on care, publication of annual impact reports.
Fundraising campaigns, project submissions to donors, public-private partnerships, and charity events.
Plateforme Autisme Sénégal (P.A.S)
“Autism is not a fate, but a difference that deserves respect, dignity, and inclusion. Together for autism, let us amplify the voice of Senegalese families and build a society where every child with ASD can grow up different, but never alone.”
Dear families, dear partners, dear fellow citizens,
In Senegal as elsewhere in Africa, autism too often remains poorly understood, diagnosed late, and insufficiently supported. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 100 children has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and that 15 million people are affected by autism in Africa. In Senegal, estimates are around 0.8% of the population — a figure that reflects thousands of families seeking answers, adapted services, and social recognition.
As a mother of two autistic children and president of the Platform of Associations Working on Autism in Senegal (P.A.S), I know parents’ journeys intimately: the uncertainty of diagnosis, the search for inclusive schools, limited access to specialists, the emotional and financial burden — but also the strength, resilience, and unconditional love that drive us.
It is to meet these challenges that P.A.S today federates 12 associations active across the country. Our ambition is clear: unify the voices of the associative sector, strengthen advocacy with public institutions, facilitate training access for health and education professionals, and build bridges between families, practitioners, schools, and funders.
Every 2 April, World Autism Awareness Day, we remind everyone that inclusion is not a luxury but a right. Our actions — conferences, awareness campaigns, resource directories, cultural events — aim to shift mindsets and ensure no child remains invisible for lack of services or understanding.
I thank the executive board, the board of directors, our member associations, and all partners who believe in an autism-friendly Senegal. Join us, support our initiatives, share our messages. Because together, we can transform how autism is seen and open the way to a fairer, more humane society.
Aïssatou Diallo Camara
President — Autism Platform Senegal (P.A.S)
12 associations federated within P.A.S — contacts and locations
Malika, Dakar
+221 78 540 51 51 · +221 77 484 58 58
Dakar
To be confirmed · To be confirmed
Awareness, advocacy, and inclusion of children with ASD in Senegal.
INSEPS Dakar, Stade Iba Mar Diop, Dakar
+221 77 332 59 09
CHNU de Fann, centre pédopsychiatrique Keur Xaleyi, Dakar
+221 77 532 79 05
khadidiatou.thiam@yahoo.fr · copekx.org · Facebook
Support for families and better care for children with ASD and intellectual disability (president: Khadidiatou Seydou Thiam).
Dakar
To be confirmed · To be confirmed
Child protection, inclusion, and defence of the rights of vulnerable people, including ASD.
Rouilly, France · actions in Senegal
+33 7 61 09 22 52
To be confirmed
To be confirmed · To be confirmed
Actions for vulnerable children and community awareness.
Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop, face Brigade de Gendarmerie, Ouakam, Dakar
+221 77 564 95 59
To be confirmed
To be confirmed · To be confirmed
P.A.S member association — contact details to be confirmed with the platform.
Rue 45x47, Colobane, Dakar, Sénégal
+221 77 388 18 96 · +221 77 667 45 41
Educate, Empower, Include, Heal, Hope — inclusive education, multisensory stimulation, and parental coaching (Najee Classroom).
Colobane Malick Guisse, Rufisque, Sénégal
+221 77 422 13 22
See all member associations · Would your association like to join? Contact the platform.
Governing body — executing General Assembly decisions
Senior in project management (20+ years). Mother of two autistic boys, advocate for 15 years. Former SG of COPEKX.
Sociologist specializing in early childhood and child protection. Impact Sociale coordinator. ASD advocacy expert.
Mother of Naby, 21, autistic. Committed to inclusion and family visibility.
20+ years in executive assistance. Former SG of COPEKX. Founder of Solidarité Enfance Inclusive.
15 years IT Manager (banking). Parent of an autistic child, committed to inclusion.
Head of institutional communications: visibility, message consistency, and channel management.
In accordance with the statutes, P.A.S is administered by a Board of Directors of seven (7) members and an Executive Board of five (5) members, the governing body steering the permanent secretariat and thematic committees.
P.A.S 2026 Action Plan — Human resources
Senior in project management (20+ years). Mother of two autistic boys. President of the Executive Board. Former SG of COPEKX.
20+ years in executive assistance. Former SG of COPEKX. Secretary-General of the Executive Board. Founder of Solidarité Enfance Inclusive.
The impact Autism Platform Senegal aims to generate
A recognized unifying platform bringing together all autism associations active in Senegal, with a common voice before institutions.
Doctors, therapists, teachers, and support workers trained in best practices for ASD detection and care.
Families informed, supported, and equipped to accompany their child in development and social inclusion.
Recommendations integrated into national health, inclusive education, and child social-protection policies.
Your donation funds awareness, training, and support for families of children living with ASD in Senegal.
Join us in this mission for autism in Senegal
For information, partnership, or membership, contact us through the following channels:
Autism Platform Senegal welcomes any partnership aimed at improving care for children living with Autism Spectrum Disorders.