Global Autism Project

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and although it is winding down, we want to thank Sara for sharing her knowledge.

Let’s continue creating spaces to talk, listen, and support.

Every conversation can lead to understanding.

Every person deserves support.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — and for many autistic people, it’s also a reminder of the long journey to understanding themselves.

Autism is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in girls and women because masking and camouflaging behaviors can hide their inner experience. For many, finally being recognized as brings clarity, healing, and liberation.

Thank you to counselor and SkillCorps alumni, , for sharing her thoughtful words, insight, and expertise on this important topic. 💙🧡

Every story matters. Every voice deserves understanding.

🌍 Empowering Families Through Autism Education in Ghana 💙🇬🇭

As part of the Mentorship Program, Selasie Esezobor, MPhil., IBA, from in Ghana, led the impactful “Autism Conference & Parent Training 2026” centered around the theme:
✨ “Bridging the Gap: Empowering Parents to Support Children with Autism” ✨

The Behaviour Hub is a behavior therapy center in Ghana focused on ABA therapy, parent coaching, school support, and empowering families through evidence-based care.
This conference brought together 175 participants for a day of learning, collaboration, and advocacy aimed at strengthening support for autistic children and their families.

Highlights from the event included:
💙 Neurodiversity and autism education
💙 Parent training sessions on ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy
💙 Interactive Q&A sessions and panel discussions
💙 Community advocacy pledges
💙 A child support unit to help families participate fully

Despite challenges such as registration technology issues and attendance barriers, the team’s strong planning, collaboration, and commitment made the event a success. Weekly meetings, mentorship support, and dedicated planning committees helped ensure the conference ran smoothly and stayed aligned with its goals.

The impact was meaningful:
✨ Parents gained a deeper understanding of autism and stereotypies
✨ Families explored additional therapy options for their children
✨ Participants requested more conferences and training opportunities
✨ Community conversations around autism awareness and support continued to grow

Through education, collaboration, and locally led leadership, The Behaviour Hub is helping bridge gaps in autism support and empower families across Ghana.

🌍 ONE MONTH FOR AUTISM 💙
📍 Toliara, Madagascar 🇲🇬

This week we are featuring the events that some of our mentees from our Global Autism Project Mentorship Program have been working on.

Meet RANDRIANANTEENAINA Jean Eliot Eddy from and the MIKOLO Center, leading impactful autism awareness and inclusion initiatives throughout Autism Awareness Month.
The project, “ONE MONTH FOR AUTISM,” was created to increase understanding of autism and highlight that autistic individuals are not a burden to society, but valuable members of the community with talents, abilities, and potential.
Throughout the month, the team organized:
🚶 Inclusion & Solidarity Walks promoting respect, equality, and inclusion
🎨 Exhibitions showcasing the talents and abilities of autistic individuals
🎤 A conference on “Autism and Adolescence,” addressing challenges faced by autistic adolescents and their families
💙 “Light It Up Blue” awareness events with sports and cultural activities

The impact was incredible:
✨ Over 100 participants joined the walk
✨ More than 70 attendees participated in the exhibition, including local authorities
✨ Over 150 people attended the conference
✨ Increased awareness and growing community support for autism initiatives in Toliara

Some of the most memorable moments included the smiles of autistic children and their families during the walk, meaningful discussions during the conference, and joyful cultural activities led by Madagascar Capoeira Toliara.
Despite challenges such as limited financial resources and ongoing stigma surrounding autism, the dedication of the team, volunteers, partners, and community members made this initiative a success.

Together, we continue building a more inclusive world where autistic individuals are supported, valued, and empowered. 💙

🌍 Celebrating Inclusion and Autism Advocacy in Kenya 💙🇰🇪
Meet 4NGO, a Kenya-based organization and mentee of the Mentorship Program, mentored by Alley.
4NGO is working to unite the autism community across Africa by creating spaces where researchers, autistic self-advocates, caregivers, therapists, parents, and community leaders can collaborate, share experiences, and turn ideas into meaningful action. Their mission reflects the growing importance of locally led solutions and stronger community systems throughout Africa.
One of the incredible initiatives they supported this year was the MR & MISS AUTISM EVENT, organized by their partners at Ready Aiders Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya.
This inspiring event used a fashion pageant platform to showcase the talents, confidence, and individuality of autistic children and young adults while challenging stigma and promoting inclusion within the community.
✨ About 42 participants joined the event, including approximately 25 autistic participants alongside community stakeholders to help bridge the inclusivity gap.
The event created opportunities for:
💙 Autism awareness and acceptance
💙 Community connection and celebration
💙 Inclusive participation between autistic and non-autistic individuals
💙 Recognition of the talents and strengths of autistic youth
By creating spaces where autistic individuals can shine publicly and proudly, organizations like 4NGO and Ready Aiders Foundation are helping shift perceptions and build a more inclusive future across Africa.

Thank you, Sara von Koningsveld for sharing your thoughts, insight, and wisdom into Autism acceptance, awareness , advocacy, and lived experience.

Connecting with others and sharing experiences is the key for understanding and acceptance!

What would you say to someone considering applying for SkillCorps?

“If you’re looking for a personal and/or professional challenge with indescribable rewards, SkillCorps is an opportunity to grow and connect more deeply with human diversity. Involving yourself in the program not only brings you into a network of like-minded people, it also opens your heart to what’s possible when humanity comes first. “ -Sara R. van Koningsveld, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA, RYT 200

Can you share a meaningful moment or memory from your trip?

“There are two memories that stand out from my SkillCorps trip to Lima, Peru. The first was the site visits to meet working autistic adults and discuss their lived experiences in education, job training, and employment. The conversations were authentic and inspiring.

The second was being invited to speak on the adult-diagnosed autistic women’s panel at the international summit. Although vulnerable, I gained strength from recognizing shared experiences with other women, regardless of our culture of origin.” -Sara R. van Koningsveld, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA, RYT 200

Why do you think global autism advocacy is important?

“Regardless of the progress made in autism awareness and acceptance, there is still so much misinformation and harmful, and often fear-based, rhetoric minimizes the possibilities and lived experiences of successful, empowered autistic people. Continued global advocacy challenges these unhelpful beliefs and associated practices, and promotes equitable and inclusive approaches to uplift autistic individuals and their communities.” -Sara R. van Koningsveld, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA, RYT 200

How has your experience as a SkillCorps alumna/scholarship recipient impacted you?

“As an autistic self-advocate and SkillCorps alumna, I feel honored to receive a 2026-2027 scholarship. My experience traveling to Peru in 2024 had a great impact on my acceptance of autism. In meeting other adult autistic people living authentically and being supported, I was able to challenge some of my unhelpful internal dialog regarding my value and place in the world. I am looking forward to travel again thanks to a scholarship, which will allow me to continue to grow this sense of belonging and my voice as a self-advocate.” Sara R. van Koningsveld, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA, RYT 200

What does Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Advocacy Month mean to you?

“There is value in all 3 terms, depending on context, and in April, I believe we need to embrace all three to make the greatest impact for furthering inclusive and equitable spaces for autistic people.

Here’s how I define and use each: Autism Awareness intends to share information with those who do not know much about the complex experience of autistic persons.

Autism Acceptance implies awareness and emphasizes the social model of care (versus the medical model). Meaning autistic people do not need to be fixed or have to conform to society standards to belong. Every person, including an autist, is a valuable member in the community.

Autism Advocacy is the opportunity for autistic individuals and their allies to speak up on behalf of autistic personhood and individual rights. It is where awareness and acceptance are put into action to reduce the harms caused by ignorance and improve the lives of the autism community.

Although I started in the awareness space a few years ago, and had to go through a period of [self-]acceptance to reach where I am today. I now find myself celebrating Autism Advocacy Month in April. I use my voice as an adult-diagnosed autistic woman and licensed mental health professional to challenge the stigmas, stereotypes, and misinformation particularly about autism in women and girls.“ -Sara R. van Koningsveld, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA, RYT 200