Liberia Expands Care for Children with Special Needs as Autism Awareness Gains Attention  

The Liberian government says it has enrolled more than 34 children with special needs, including children abandoned by their parents because of their conditions, into its care centre as part of efforts to provide protection and support.

Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie disclosed this Wednesday at the country’s first National Awareness Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Minister Kollie said the children continue to receive care through the government’s national social protection interventions, while the government also provides financial subsidies to some private institutions supporting children with autism and other special needs.

She acknowledged the sacrifices of caregivers and institutions working to improve the lives of children with disabilities and called for increased support for their work.

The minister said Liberia is beginning to move away from a situation in which individuals with autism and developmental disabilities and their families face stigma and systemic barriers in silence.

“Today, Liberia's outlook on ASD and IDD is shifting from quiet endurance to proactive inclusion,” she said.

Minister Kollie credited First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai and her partners for bringing national attention to autism and developmental disabilities through the conference.

She said the Ministry of Gender remains committed to working with other institutions to translate recommendations from the gathering into lasting policies and practical interventions.

The minister also stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among government institutions, private care providers and other stakeholders to improve support for affected children and their families.