3rd Pan-African Congress on Autism (PACA)
Theme: Advancing Autism Support in Africa: From Evidence to Action
Dates: 23rd – 26th April 2025
Venue: Daystar University, Nairobi Campus (April 23rd, 2025) Preconference workshops
Venue: Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi Kenya (April 24th-26th, 2025) Main Conference
Call for Abstracts
The Pan-African Congress on Autism (PACA) is a biennial event organized by PACA, in collaboration with various state and non-state agencies, including ministries, universities, non-governmental organizations, and private sector practitioners. This conference brings together key actors and stakeholders in the field of autism support and advocacy across Africa and beyond.
The 2025 PACA conference will focus on advancing autism support and services, a critical need at both regional and global levels. Participants will share and examine existing evidence, innovations, and challenges, and chart actionable pathways toward enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism in Africa.
Conference Objectives
The overarching goal of the PACA 2025 is to foster collaboration and contribute to the development of sustainable, evidence-based interventions that support individuals with autism. The specific objectives include:
- 1. Sharing emerging good practices and innovations that accelerate commitments toward supporting individuals with autism.
- 2. Identifying gaps in autism support and services within the African continent.
- 3. Challenging autism support practitioners to embrace practices that promote inclusivity and empowerment of individuals with autism.
- 4. Exploring the future of autism support in Africa.
Sub-Themes
- 1. Understanding the Prevalence, Nature, and Effects of Autism in Africa
- 2. Legal, Policy, and Practices for Supporting Individuals with Autism
- 3. Evidence on Programs and Services that Effectively Support Individuals with Autism
- 4. Strengthening Collaboration, Coordination, and Oversight of Autism Interventions
- 5. Technology as an Enabler and Intervention for Autism
- 6. Autism Support in Humanitarian and Emergency Contexts
- 7. Sustainable Funding for Enhancing Autism Support and Services
- 8. Autism in the Context of Culture and Community-based Support
- 9. Autism in the Context of Education and Employment
- 10. Managing Challenging Behaviors
- 11. Service Delivery and Systems
- 12. Caregiver and Professional Education and Training
Abstract Submission Procedure:
All abstracts should be submitted by 31st December 2024 to the Technical Review Subcommittee via this link https://forms.gle/HrpDB12z4CmqfPYG8
Please email info@panafricancongressonautism.org if any issues. A technical review panel consisting of academicians and practitioners will review all abstracts and select those qualifying for presentation. The committee reserves the right to determine whether a submission is accepted as an oral presentation, workshop, or poster.
For details about registration and further information about the conference, visit: [http://www.panafricancongressonautism.org]
Submission Guidelines:
- Abstracts should be a maximum of 300 words (the title should not exceed 25 words).
- Academic abstracts should include a title, description, rationale, theoretical framework, methodology, and findings.
- Practice-based abstracts should include a title, description, innovative practices, and evidence.
- Use Times New Roman, Font size 12, and single spacing.
- Abstracts MUST be submitted by 30th November 2024.
- Selected authors will be contacted to submit their work for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Important Dates/Events
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Abstract Submission Opens | October 5, 2024 |
| Registration Opens | October 5, 2024 |
| Deadline for Abstract Submission | December 31, 2024 |
| Notification of Decision on Abstract | January 31, 2025 |
| Close Early Bird Registration | December 31, 2024 |
| Submission of Slides | March 1, 2025 |
| End of Late Registration | April 2, 2025 |
| Conference Dates | April 23-26, 2025 |
For any inquiries, please contact us at info@panafricancongressonautism.org
We look forward to your participation in advancing autism support across Africa!
