Sagarni Foundation is Kenya's autism advocacy, law and family support organisation. We lobby Parliament, support families, and fund care through the Zabu Fund.
"If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." — Every story matters. Every life counts.
We work across five interconnected areas to build a comprehensive autism support system in Kenya — from law to lived experience.
We engage Parliament directly — submitting formal memoranda, appearing before Senate committees, and proposing amendments to the Autism Management Bill 2025 that centre autistic persons and caregivers.
We build the legal and policy infrastructure Kenya's autism community deserves — working with NCPWD, the Ministry of Health, and county governments to strengthen delivery of autism services.
No caregiver should walk this road alone. We provide guidance, peer connection, and direct support to families navigating diagnosis, education, and long-term care planning.
We are building Kenya's first centralised directory of autism services, professionals, schools, therapy centres, and support networks — free and accessible for every family and practitioner.
Direct financial relief covering therapy costs, respite care, assistive devices, and art-based interventions for families who cannot afford them. Because cost should never determine a child's future.
We support expressive arts, drama, and social skills programmes as evidence-based interventions — creating spaces where autistic children and young adults can thrive on their own terms.
The Autism Management Bill 2025, sponsored by Senator Karen Nyamu, is currently before the Senate Standing Committee on Health. It is the most significant piece of autism legislation Kenya has ever seen — and Sagarni Foundation is at the table, pushing for the amendments that matter.
The Zabu Fund provides direct financial relief to Kenyan families who cannot afford the full cost of autism care. We cover therapy sessions, respite care, assistive devices, and arts-based support programmes.
Cost should never determine a child's future. The Zabu Fund exists to make sure it doesn't.
Autism presents differently at every age. Early recognition is the most powerful tool a family has. Here is what to look for.
Does not make or maintain eye contact with caregivers by 6 months
Does not smile back when smiled at; limited social responsiveness by 9 months
Not babbling or cooing by 12 months; no back-and-forth sounds with caregiver
Not pointing, waving or reaching by 12 months
Does not turn or respond when name is called by 12 months
Any loss of previously acquired speech or social skills at any age is a red flag
No single words by 16 months or no two-word phrases by 24 months
Repeating words or phrases out of context (echolalia); unusual speech patterns
Lines up toys, fixates on parts of objects rather than the whole; limited imaginative play
Prefers to play alone; struggles to understand social rules or make friends
Extreme distress when routines change; insistence on sameness in environment or food
Hand flapping, rocking, spinning or other repetitive body movements (stimming)
Unusually strong, narrow focus on specific topics, objects or activities
Meltdowns that seem disproportionate; difficulty identifying or expressing emotions
Difficulty with small talk, understanding sarcasm, or reading facial expressions and body language
Strong preference for predictable schedules; significant distress when plans change unexpectedly
Intense, expert-level interest in specific subjects; may struggle to shift attention
High rates of anxiety, especially in social or sensory-heavy environments
Struggles with maintaining friendships or navigating workplace social dynamics
Many autistic adults — especially women — learn to mask or camouflage their traits, leading to late diagnosis and burnout
Many autistic individuals experience the world more intensely — or differently — than neurotypical people. Sensory processing differences are now recognised as a core feature of autism under the DSM-5.
This questionnaire is based on internationally recognised early screening tools including the M-CHAT-R. It is for toddlers aged 16–30 months. It is not a diagnosis — it helps identify children who may benefit from further professional evaluation.
⚠️ This tool is for information purposes only and does not constitute a medical diagnosis. If you have concerns about your child's development, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. See clinical diagnosis resources →
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder usually relies on two main sources: caregivers' descriptions of their child's development, and a professional's direct observation of the child's behaviour. Source: CDC ↗
In some cases a primary care provider may refer the child to a specialist. These include:
No single tool should be used as the sole basis for diagnosis. A comprehensive assessment considers developmental history, direct observation, and standardised tools.
To meet diagnostic criteria for ASD under the DSM-5, a person must show:
Persistent deficits in all three of the following:
At least two of the following:
We are building Kenya's first comprehensive autism resource directory. Select your category to find resources tailored to your role. More resources are added regularly.
We are curating resources specifically for autistic people in Kenya — including self-advocacy guides, community groups, employment support, and more.
Suggest a ResourceDiagnosis guides, therapy directories, school placement support, and financial assistance programmes for parents of autistic children in Kenya.
Suggest a ResourceBooks, support groups, and guidance for brothers and sisters growing up alongside an autistic sibling.
Suggest a ResourcePlain-language guides to understanding autism, how to support your grandchild, and how to support the parents in your family.
Suggest a ResourceInclusive education frameworks, classroom adaptation guides, and training resources for educators working with autistic students.
Suggest a ResourceGuides to neurodiversity-inclusive hiring, workplace accommodations, and how to unlock the value of autistic talent in your organisation.
Suggest a ResourceClinical screening tools, DSM-5 criteria, referral pathways, and continuing medical education resources on autism for Kenyan healthcare providers.
Suggest a ResourceRespite care options, caregiver wellbeing resources, practical daily care guides, and community support for those caring for autistic individuals.
Suggest a ResourceClassroom strategies, sensory-friendly environment guides, communication tools, and IEP (Individual Education Plan) frameworks for Kenyan teachers.
Suggest a ResourceThought leadership, legal commentary, and personal reflections on autism advocacy in Kenya — written by Medrine Mueni, Advocate and Founder of Sagarni Foundation.
We all mask. But for autistic people — particularly women and girls — masking is not an occasional social adjustment. It is a full-time, exhausting, identity-erasing performance that can last decades.
The Bill is a historic step. But without the right amendments, it risks becoming a piece of legislation that looks good on paper and delivers little on the ground. Here is what needs to change.
The diagnosis is just the beginning. What comes after — navigating schools, therapy, family reactions, and a system not built for your child — is the real journey. And you do not have to walk it alone.
Whether you are a professional, a caregiver, or simply someone who believes every Kenyan deserves dignity — there is a place for you here.
Are you a law firm, hospital, school, or organisation that shares our values? Let's build Kenya's autism ecosystem together.
Get In TouchYour contribution directly funds therapy, care, and assistive devices for a family that cannot afford them. Every shilling counts.
Donate NowFollow our social media, share our content, and help us push the Autism Management Bill 2025 across the finish line.
Follow UsWhether you are a family seeking support, a professional wanting to partner, or a policymaker ready to act — we want to hear from you.