Sierra Leone Autistic Society (SLAS)

About us

Sierra Leone Autistic Society (SLAS) started in 2014 as a Community Based Organisation (CBO) with its main aim of sensitisation and became a NGO in 2017 after realization that there was no school that could meet the needs of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and no effective service for people with ASD and other developmental disabilities in the whole country. SLAS is founded by two women (Mary Penn-Timity and Alice Browne).

The mission statement of the organisation is to enhance the well being of people living with disabilities (particularly developmental disabilities), their parents and caregivers through advocacy, empowerment, research, training and bio psycho-social (health, psychological and social), as well as educational support.

Motto: Put the Ability into Disability

Our work
• Research
• Assessment and diagnostics
• Educational support: Browne-Penn Special Education School (BPSS)
• Nationwide Sensitisation
• Training
• Health
• Consultancy

Projects:
• Sierra Leone Inclusion Project (SLIP): SLIP is an inclusive play centre where Children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers meet to play/interact. It's a community programme as building inclusive communities is very important. SLIP acts as a hub from where we work with schools, health services, families, other relevant organisations/institutions and communities at large to address the holistic needs of children with disabilities who access SLIP. Parents/carers are also supported via parent support groups.
• Browne-Penn Special School: In 2017 SLAS established the Browne-Penn Special Education School, the first ever ' special' school in Sierra Leone for children with autism, and other developmental disabilities whom SLAS feels can benefit from the school's programmes. The school's educational programme covers all aspects of the curriculum and are adapted to ensure every child participates effectively. Each child has an individual education plan (IEP) with specific goals to ensure progress. Trained and qualified staff ensures that children are effectively taught not only academic work, but also self-help and social skills, with substantial opportunities for learning through play. There is ample opportunity for pupils to interact with their non-autistic/non-disabled peers. SLAS ensures opportunity for recreational visits for its pupils in the educational programme to aid learning, build community relationships and to develop social skills. Additionally, SLAS has links with mainstream schools, and undertake school trips and other activities (educational and non-educational) with their partner school to ensure and support inclusive education and increase visibility.
• School Sensitisation: Our experiences enable us to offer effective monthly school visits and give talks to schools about autism, encourage children to treat everyone the same and also how to look after and care for those with disabilities.
• Trainings: Trainings are organised by SLAS for doctors, nurses, CHOs, teachers, social workers and parents, including government workers, in Freetown and Bo. Trainings are done in collaboration with our partners: Ravera Children Rehabilitation Centre (RCRC) and Queensmill School West London.

Mary Penn-Timity is one of the Founders of Sierra Leone Autistic Society (SLAS).

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.