By Alieu Ceesay
As the global community observes World Autism Awareness Day, the Gambia Autism Support and Advocacy Network (GASAN) is sounding a powerful call to action, urging The Gambia to move beyond awareness and embrace meaningful inclusion for individuals with autism. The group is advocating for a society that supports autistic people, dismantles stigma, and opens doors to opportunity.
“Autism… It’s a word that often brings confusion, even fear,” GASAN said in an emotional statement. “But it’s simply a different way of experiencing the world. A child might flap their hands when they’re happy, or someone might struggle with sounds that don’t bother others. It’s a spectrum, and every person’s journey is unique.” Abdou Majid Jallow, founder and national coordinator of GASAN, shared these sentiments in an interview with TAT.
In The Gambia, a nation deeply rooted in family and community values, autistic individuals and their families often face isolation due to widespread stigma and misunderstanding. GASAN members, many of whom have personal experience supporting autistic children, say the challenges are all too real. “We see the whispers, the misunderstandings, the doors that close too easily,” their statement continued. “And it breaks our hearts.”
The organization is pushing for concrete steps forward, including more inclusive schools and workplaces that value the diverse abilities of autistic individuals. “Imagine our schools where every child, no matter how they learn, is given the chance to shine. Imagine workplaces where unique talents are celebrated, not ignored,” GASAN envisioned.
GASAN has planned a community walk on April 12th, beginning at 9:00 AM from Alliance Française and concluding at the Youth Monument to mark the occasion. The event is designed to spotlight autism, unite families, policymakers, and advocates, and amplify the call for inclusivity.
The group also challenged the nation’s leaders: “We need our leaders to step up and invest in services that actually help. We need our schools to welcome every child, not just the ones who fit a mold.”
In a message of hope to families, GASAN extended unwavering support: “Know this—you’re not alone. We at GASAN are here, shoulder to shoulder with you. We’ll fight for your rights, we’ll share your burdens, we’ll celebrate your victories.”
With the upcoming walk, GASAN aims to spark a movement that transcends a single day of recognition. They envision a future where autism is met with acceptance, where resources are accessible, and where every individual, regardless of how they experience the world, has a place to thrive in Gambian society.
