KISUMU, Kenya, Apr 4 — Calls to ease the financial burden on families raising children with autism are gaining momentum, with renewed pressure on the government to include autism therapy under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Joshua Oron, a member of the National Assembly Health Committee, has pledged to champion policy reforms aimed at making autism care more accessible and affordable across the country.
Speaking during an autism awareness event in Kisumu, the legislator noted that the high cost of therapy remains a major barrier for many families.
“I have learned that the cost of therapy is extremely high, and most of these services are only available in private hospitals,” he said.
According to Oron, therapy for children with autism can cost up to Ksh5,000 per week, placing a significant strain on already struggling households.
He added that limited availability of services in public health facilities has forced many parents to seek costly treatment in private institutions, further widening inequality in access to care.
The MP emphasized the need to equip public hospitals—particularly Level 5 and Level 6 facilities—to provide essential services such as speech therapy and behavioral support.
“We must ensure our public health system can support children with special needs. Access to care should not depend on one’s ability to pay,” he said.
Oron also called for urgent policy action to bridge existing gaps, including the possible introduction of legislation to compel inclusion of autism services under SHA.
“It is now up to us to ensure that SHA covers autism going forward to relieve parents of this burden,” he added.
Beyond healthcare, the lawmaker highlighted the importance of inclusive education, noting that many children with autism remain marginalized within the school system.
“We must mainstream autistic children into our education system and ensure they have the tools they need to thrive,” he said, stressing that inclusion must go beyond physical placement to meaningful support.
At the event organized by Growing Minds in partnership with Aga Khan Hospital, stakeholders underscored the need for early diagnosis and intervention.
Barbara Amondi, founder of Growing Minds, said many parents struggle to access timely assessments and professional guidance, affecting outcomes for children.
“We are here to create awareness, offer screening and assessments, and most importantly teach parents what they can do at home,” she said.
She also raised concern over persistent stigma in communities, where autism is often misunderstood and at times linked to superstition.
According to Amondi, such misconceptions can lead to isolation of affected children and discourage families from seeking help.
The awareness event, held as part of Autism Acceptance Month, aimed to promote understanding, provide support, and encourage early intervention for children with autism.