Africa-Press – Gambia. Gambia Autism Support and Advocacy Network (GASAN) on Wednesday called for increased acceptance and inclusion of persons with autism.
The call was made during a media briefing held ahead of the annual commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day marked on April 2nd, 2026.
The briefing, held under the theme – “Autism and Humanity: Every Life Has Value”, sought to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder, promote understanding and acceptance of persons living with the condition and outline the organisation’s plans for the commemoration.
Speaking at the event held at the National Youth Parliament Hall in Kanifing, the National Coordinator of GASAN, Abdou Majid Jallow, said autism should not be viewed as a tragedy but as part of human diversity that required collective understanding, support and action.
He noted that over the past year, the organisation had expanded its activities beyond advocacy discussions to tangible community impact.
“We are proud that our work has reached various corners of the community. Through national mobilisation, hundreds of Gambians have joined our efforts, deepening our advocacy and strengthening our institutional growth,” he remarked.
Jallow, however, highlighted limited funding and donor support as major challenges affecting the organisation’s work, particularly noting minimal support from the government.
Also speaking at the event, Oumie Ceesay, a mother of two autistic children and honorary adviser to GASAN, called for the creation of a more supportive and inclusive environment for children with autism.
She urged the public to reject the misconception that autism is a foreign concept, stressing that persons with autism are part of Gambian society and deserve empathy, compassion and acceptance.
“My children have helped me see the world from a different perspective. It is important that we build an accommodating and supportive environment for them,” she said.
GASAN is preparing to mark World Autism Awareness Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and reaffirming the dignity and value of individuals on the autism spectrum.
