Who we are
Autism Awareness Uganda (AAU) is a non-profit, non-governmental, membership organisation founded in April 2019 to address widespread ignorance and misinformation about autism in Uganda, which negatively impacts the wellbeing of persons with autism and the support or solutions available for their families and caregivers.
The organisation was created in response to the shortage of context-specific information or materials on autism and related solutions such as therapy, critical skills and practices to improve daily living skills and ability to function or participate in the community, for persons with autism, their families and caregivers. AAU exists to tackle the absence of a local space to access key information (including resource persons and materials) that is tailored to specific needs, inclusive, supportive, and accessible to parents and caregivers with different literacy and income levels.
AAU is also focused on demystifying autism for the wider public, challenging misconceptions and negative stereotypes that increase the stigma and shame around autism. AAU is the go-to organisation for families and caregivers dealing with frustration, isolation, broken relationships, violence and financial strain, lacking social support or access to counselling and unable to balance personal and family needs with those of the person with autism.
AAU is passionate about serving the families and caregivers of persons with autism by connecting them to necessary information, expertise, services and social support.
Our Vision
A world where all persons affected by autism are informed, included and supported to realise their full potential.
Our Mission
To unlock the potential of persons with autism, their families and caregivers through education and building a community of support
What We Do
1. Training: Skilling families and caregivers to improve daily living skills and the wellbeing of persons with autism, their functioning and participation in the home, at school, work and in the community. Connecting families and caregivers to experts, knowledge and approaches that equip them to strengthen persons with autism’s communication and social skills, ability to live independently, develop relationships, and interact well with others.
2. Awareness Raising and Advocacy: Improving understanding of autism and mobilising communities/Ugandan society to change negative beliefs, attitudes and behaviours in support of persons with autism, their caregivers and families. Advocating for inclusive education that increases understanding of the special learning needs of persons with autism and promotes their integration within schools and communities.
3. Outreach and Support-Network Building: Extending care services, including counselling, information and referrals, to families and caregivers in their homes and communities. Growing a safe, judgement-free support network for families and caregivers to connect, support and learn from each other as well as specialised care providers.
Our Work: Programmes and Projects
Autism Awareness Uganda 