The Autism Management Bill, 2025

This legislative Bill aims to provide an integrated and coordinated framework for the management, diagnosis, and support of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Kenya. It is anchored in Article 43(1)(a) of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees every individual the right to the highest attainable standard of health.

Background and Rationale

According to the National Council for Persons with Disability (NCPWD) and the World Health Organization (WHO), autism affects a significant portion of the global population, with Kenya having an estimated 402.57 per 100,000 persons with autism. Despite these numbers, Kenya faces challenges such as late diagnoses, a shortage of trained professionals, and limited access to specialized education. This Bill responds to the WHO's global Autism Resolution of 2014, seeking to address these gaps.

Key Objectives of the Act

The primary objectives include:

• Providing a framework for early screening, diagnosis, management, and support for persons with autism.
• Promoting access to quality and affordable diagnostic and management services.
• Developing a national information management system for autism.
• Ensuring continuous training for medical practitioners and caregivers.
• Promoting public awareness about autism and ensuring access to relevant information.
• Supporting persons with autism and their caregivers.
• Ensuring adequate resource allocation for autism programs.
• Promoting research and dissemination of information on autism.

Responsibilities of Government Tiers

National Government

• Policy and Strategy: Develop, coordinate, and monitor national standards and policies, and formulate a National Autism Strategy aligned with international best practices.
• Infrastructure: Establish National Diagnostic Centers in all existing referral hospitals for early detection and management.
• Capacity Building: Undertake continuous training for medical practitioners and caregivers.
• Awareness: Promote public awareness through continuous public education and sensitization campaigns to eradicate stigma and foster an inclusive society.
• Research & Innovation: Promote research and establish linkages with international agencies.
• Service Accessibility: Develop a framework for affordable medical services.
• Data Management: Collaborate with county governments and non-state actors to develop a national database for accurate statistics.
• Support to Counties: Provide technical assistance and capacity building to county governments.
• Funding: Allocate specific funds from the national health budget for autism activities, including screening, diagnosis, training, and awareness.

County Governments

• Implementation: Implement national autism standards and policies and formulate county-specific autism strategies.
• Infrastructure: Establish County Diagnostic Centers in all existing Level 4 and 5 hospitals.
• Community Support: Establish community-level caregiver support groups.
• Data Management: Establish county databases and share information with the national government.
• Service Accessibility: Put in place measures for accessible and affordable medical services within county hospitals.
• Funding: Allocate specific funds from the county health budget for autism activities.

Establishment of Autism Units

Autism units will be established within the Ministry of Health or relevant county departments. These units will:

• Establish diagnostic centers staffed with trained professionals.
• Collect and collate data on autism prevalence at national and county levels.
• Establish and update national and county databases.
• Coordinate autism programs, including training and public awareness campaigns.
• Share data periodically with the national government.

Education and Information

Both national and county governments, in collaboration with stakeholders, will:

• Promote public awareness on the causes, prevention, treatment, and management of autism through nationwide campaigns.
• Conduct education campaigns in schools, learning institutions, and communities.
• Provide training and sensitization for medical practitioners, community workers, educators, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure involvement and participation of individuals and groups affected by autism in education and information programs.
• Ensure information covers support, attitudes, and psychological support for caregivers.

Teacher Training and Syllabus

The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is mandated to:

• Integrate autism awareness into both pre-service and in-service teacher training.
• Develop a training curriculum on autism management to be integrated into syllabuses at all levels of education.

Rights and Regulations

• Rights: Persons with autism will enjoy all rights, protection, and privileges provided under the Persons Living with Disability Act, 2025, and other relevant laws.
• Regulations: The Cabinet Secretary for Health, in consultation with the Council of Governors, is empowered to make regulations for the effective implementation of the Act.

Financial Implications

The Bill obligates both the National and County Governments to ensure adequate resource allocation for programs geared towards the diagnosis, management, and support of persons with autism. This Bill is not a money Bill as per Article 114 of the Constitution.

This Bill represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for persons with autism in Kenya, ensuring their right to health and comprehensive care.