Abby was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of thirteen when her mother took her to the United Kingdom. Her condition was misdiagnosed until then in her native country of Kenya due to a lack of knowledge. Abby founded Walking Autism to raise awareness and acceptance of autism and other disabilities in Africa. By raising awareness and acceptance, she hopes to reduce stigma and discrimination and advocates for services and support for autism and other disabilities.

What inspired you to found Walking Autism?A: The idea for walking Autism came after I started learning and understanding more about my own autistic diagnosis and learning more about disability in Kenya, and wanting to do something in my own capabilities to help improve the current situation.
l was formally diagnosed aged 13, but due to Various factors and because autism was not a much understood diagnosis in Kenya at the time, I had no one to talk too, So, as a result I didn't Understand anything all through my younger and early adult years, which resulted in low self esteem and confidence, anxiety and depression. Walking Autism is my way of changing attitudes, and creating much needed change

Can you tell us about your experience walking the 800 km Camino de Santiago?A: l have been Very fortunate in my life to have been able to travel and seen places around the world, Including walking the 800km Camino de Santiago in Spain twice. Combining two of my loves - travel and history together which was wonderful. walking through history was amazing, as I am not from Europe I had never seen much European history and architecture, so being able to see and learn about centuries old cathedrals, walk along roman roads and explore Spain on foot was fascinating.

What are the barriers to inclusiveness? Who can address those barriers and how?A: I think the barriers to inclusiveness are due to a lack of understanding towards disability. In Kenya, for example, there is a lack of support, education and understanding towards disability, as a result, the opportunities for inclusiveness are lacking and this affects how inclusive our society is.
l think we all can play a part in creating a more inclusive world in our own ways and communities.

How do you face obstacles in life? What keeps you moving forward?A: Depression and Anxiety has unfortunately been part of my life ever since I can remember, which is hard and quite detrimental at times, but I have developed my own ways of getting through these times by focusing on my project and other things I have to get done. When I get into my low points, I always make sure I move on, as staying in that space is not helpful.

What are your other hobbies?A: I enjoy travel, learning about other cultures, reading and making art.

What is your favourite place to visit? What do you love about that place?A: I wouldn’t say there is one specific place, I haven’t found it yet, but in Kenya, there is a little island off the coast called Lamu, which I love. It’s a very relaxed place, almost like stepping back into time. If I had to pick one place, it’d be there.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?A: My suggestion for families with children would be just to accept autism for what it is, a part of the human condition. Read, Learn everything you can from both professionals and the actually autistic community, but don’t base everything on that. Every child is different, and every child has something they excel and enjoy, focus on the strong points - strengthen these skills, don’t stress on what they can’t do, or find hard. As time goes by, our world is becoming more open minded and accepting to a variety of talents.

Any special message for our community?A: first thing to remember is autism is not a life sentence, there are many autistic people who can, and do live very productive lives. Over attitudes regarding disability must change, not our autism.