Staff Reporter
Namibia will host an international autism congress this week, bringing together researchers, health professionals, educators and advocates to discuss ways of improving support for people on the autism spectrum.
The sixth World Autism Organisation (WAO) Congress will take place in Windhoek from 3 to 5 November, with organisers saying the gathering comes at a time when the country’s autistic community remains underserved.
Petra Dillmann, founder of the Autism Association of Namibia, said the country needed to create more opportunities for autistic people to speak for themselves and influence conversations about their needs.
Dillmann, who has been involved in autism awareness in Namibia for more than 30 years, said it was time to give younger generations a greater role in advocacy.
“Now the time has come to empower the younger generation. We must give the autistic community a platform to advocate and speak for themselves,” she said.
She said the congress would allow participants to hear directly from autistic people about their experiences and how they can be better supported.
The event is expected to bring together parents, teachers, health professionals, academics, employers, government representatives and autistic people.
Discussions will cover early intervention, education, employment, human rights, daily living support, advocacy, ageing and sensory processing.
The programme will also provide professional development opportunities for psychologists, therapists, medical practitioners, teachers and researchers through exposure to international research and practices in autism support.
The congress will be held at the Mövenpick, Windhoek International Conference Centre, with virtual participation also available to those unable to attend in person.
Dillmann said the gathering presented an opportunity to strengthen understanding of autism and give the autistic community a more active role in shaping the support available to them.
The World Autism Organisation Congress will run for three days, from 3 to 5 November 2026.
