Namibia to host World Autism Organisation congress

Namibia will host the sixth World Autism Organisation Congress in Windhoek from 3 to 5 November, bringing together international speakers, researchers and autism advocates to discuss support for people with autism.

“We must give the autistic community a platform to advocate and speak for themselves,” Autism Association of Namibia founder Petra Dillmann says.

Dillmann says the congress presents an opportunity to learn directly from people with autism about their needs and experiences.

“This is our chance to learn directly from autistic people, to understand what they need and how they think, and to let them teach us their language,” she says.

Organisers say the congress comes at a time when Namibia’s autistic community remains underserved.

The event aims to bring together parents, educators, health professionals, academics, employers, government representatives and people with autism to discuss how the country can better serve individuals and their families.

The programme will cover areas including daily life support, early intervention, education, employment, rights, religion, advocacy, ageing and sensory processing.

The congress will also offer professional development opportunities for psychologists, therapists, medical practitioners, teachers and researchers, who will be able to engage with current international research and practices without leaving the country.

Registration for in-person and virtual attendance is open through the congress website.

Organisations and individuals can support the event through sponsorship, exhibition bookings or sponsoring tickets for people who would otherwise be unable to attend.

The World Autism Organisation was founded in 1998 to campaign for and advocate for the rights of autistic people worldwide.