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RESEARCH & ADVOCACY

Research & publications.

Connecting the experiences of autistic people and their families with conversations about education, health and public policy.

Participants at the Sierra Leone and SFTH collaboration gathering
Community voices. Shared knowledge.
FEATURED PUBLICATION · 2025

Local perspectives.
A wider conversation.

“Using Neurodiversity-Affirming Intersectional Approaches to Build More Equitable Societies and Shape Public Policy in Liberia and Sierra Leone.”

Agnes Fallah Kamara, Sia Mary Kamara, Michael Gebeh and Reginald Fallah-Turay. Journal of Social Issues, 2025.

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This qualitative study involved 30 participants. Its findings describe the study sample, not national population rates.
SFTH founder with academic colleagues
Participants at the national stakeholder meeting
Participants at the national stakeholder meeting — connecting community experience with advocacy and policy.
TOGETHER FOR INCLUSION · 16 FEBRUARY 2026

Community voices.
National priorities.

At a national meeting hosted by Liberia’s Ministry of Health, SFTH joined stakeholders to advance inclusion for autistic individuals and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Screening in primary healthcare, inclusive education, caregiver support and explicit recognition in national disability policy were central recommendations.

Explore the stakeholders’ meeting
FROM EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Continuing the conversation

Participants at the national stakeholder meeting — connecting community experience with advocacy and policy
ADVOCACY · 16 FEBRUARY 2026

Together for Inclusion: Liberia Stakeholders’ Meeting

Connecting community experience with advocacy and policy to advance dignity, acceptance and opportunity for all.

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Community members at the Sierra Leone Autistic Society and SFTH collaboration gathering
ADVOCACY · 9 FEBRUARY 2026

Across borders, a shared commitment to inclusion.

Researchers, families and advocates came together in Freetown to discuss how evidence can inform services and policy.

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Agnes Fallah Kamara with colleagues at the College of Staten Island
RESEARCH · 31 OCTOBER 2025

Evidence for a more equitable future.

Research centring autistic people and families brings a local perspective to conversations about public policy.

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Participants gathered for SFTH’s 2025 CSW advocacy event
ADVOCACY · 13 MARCH 2025

Amplifying Women’s Voices: Our CSW Journey, 2018–2025

From our first CSW panel in 2018 to Unheard Voices in 2025, amplifying women’s experiences and advocating for families affected by Autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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Participants in an SFTH policy dialogue
Community experience informs the conversation about inclusion.

Priorities for a more inclusive future

01

Policy recognition and systems strengthening

02

Health access and diagnostic equity

03

Inclusive education

04

Community-led stigma reduction

05

Caregiver support and livelihoods

These five pillars form part of the proposed 2026 national expansion. They describe intended work, subject to resources and partnerships.

Read the strategic report