President's Message

“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)