ALT Karen Muruki is a black autistic self-advocate from Kenya and she works in various disability and neurodiversity rights organisations. She is also an International Disability Alliance Bridge Kenya CRPD-SDGs (Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - Sustainable Development Goals) training fellow. She is currently a member of the UNCRPD Reporting Group on Kenyan Disability Policy. Tell us about your work. I am a neurodiversity consultant at Ubongo International (Africa's leading producer of kids' edutainment). My work entails creating and ensuring content produced is inclusive and neuro language. Apart from that, I conduct mental health for young autistic people transitioning from school into the workplace for soft skills and workplace preparedness.

ALT What is your favourite piece of African autistic art? I love this painting of the zebra. We created it for Neurodiversity Celebration Week. I love the rainbow colours that were incorporated into it. What do you think are the most interesting neurodiversity conferences to follow? The one by the UN World Autism Day Conference happening on 2nd April led by autistic people. They have included both verbal and non- verbal presenters. Jodi Zimmerman is my favourite non-speaking presenter.

ALT How have policy/innovation around autism rights changed in recent years? I was on the UNCRPD Reporting Committee to look at the implementation of its recommendations and found gaps in terms of political systems that continue to use the medical model. Within the OPD (Organisation of Persons with Disabilities) movement, we would like to hold the Kenyan political system accountable in everyday life and in policy decisions. In order to drive reform and create a network for persons with disabilities. The Persons with Disability Bill which has been passed in the Senate recently has recommended that caregivers not be taxed. Parents of autistic individuals get taxed currently and this affects the quality of life for the autistic individual and their family. However, it would be great if they would involve UPDK (United Persons with Persons with Disabilities Kenya) in these discussions and consult us about what we want. If you would like to know about Karen’s work get in touch with her