By Hawa Bility
Liberia is set to host its first national conference on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) from November 9 to 11, 2026, in an effort to increase public awareness, challenge misconceptions and promote inclusion of people living with the conditions.
The conference, being organized in partnership with the Office of the First Lady and the Global Center of Excellence of the Woods System of Care, will be held at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information Regular Tuesday press briefing Ambassador Jomah Samuels, a Liberian based in the United States and ambassador for the Global Center of Excellence of the Woods System of Care, said the initiative aims to educate the public about autism spectrum disorder (ASD)and intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) brain injury while highlighting the abilities of people living with such conditions.
Samuels explained that the Woods System of Care is a human services institution located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, which provides support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and brain injuries.
According to him, the institution was established in 1913 and serves more than 40,000 Americans with different forms of disabilities.
He said the partnership with Liberia followed a visit by the First Lady to the institution in the United States, where she observed its work in providing care and support for people with special needs.
Samuel said the First Lady was impressed by the services provided and expressed interest in seeing similar initiatives introduced in Liberia.
He noted that the upcoming conference would help address harmful traditional beliefs and misconceptions surrounding autism, including the tendency of some people to associate the condition with witchcraft.
"Those people have talents. They can do a lot of things, unimaginable things that some people who consider themselves normal people can't even do," Samuel said.
He added that the conference would focus on educating families, caregivers and the general public about autism and developmental disabilities, while promoting greater understanding of the abilities and needs of affected individuals.
Samuel also disclosed that a delegation from the Woods System of Care, including its chief executive officer, is expected to travel to Liberia to participate in the conference and support the initiative.
Meanwhile, Foday E. Karpeh, Chief of Staff in the Office of the First Lady, said the conference represents an important step toward developing a more structured national response to autism and developmental disabilities in Liberia.
Karpeh said the country currently lacks a comprehensive structure and policy framework specifically addressing the needs of people living with these conditions.
He called on the media to participate in the conference, particularly the November 9 stakeholders' engagement, which will focus on educating journalists and strengthening public awareness.
According to Karpeh, the three-day conference will begin on November 9 with a media stakeholders' engagement. The official launch is scheduled for November 10 at 10 a.m., while additional discussions and interactions will continue on November 11.
The organizers are encouraging journalists and other stakeholders to attend the conference and contribute to efforts aimed at promoting awareness, understanding and inclusion of people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities in Liberia.
