Diana Ayoo

Diana’s journey began, like many parents of neurodivergent children, with confusion, frustration and fear.

“When my child was diagnosed, I felt lost,” she recalls. “I didn’t know where to turn for help, and there was no clear pathway for treatment.”

Autism is often misunderstood in Kenya, where cultural perceptions can lead to misdiagnosis or to families hiding their children for fear of judgement. Resources for parents are limited, and therapies such as ABA are virtually unheard of in many parts of the country.

After extensive research, Diana discovered Applied Behaviour Analysis, an evidence-based approach that changes behaviour through reinforcement and breaks complex skills into manageable steps.

“We began seeing real progress. Simple things like communicating needs, following instructions and reducing tantrums. It changed our lives.”

There was a problem: Kenya had very few, if any, certified ABA therapists, and no formal training programmes. So Diana pursued certification herself through QABA (Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis) and the International Behavior Analysis Organization (IBAO).

Her commitment took her abroad to complete the education, all while balancing the demands of motherhood. “I knew that if I didn’t bring ABA back to Kenya, countless other children like my own would miss out on life-changing support.”

Back in Kenya, the obstacles were immense. Awareness was low. “Doctors would recommend vague therapies or send families to traditional healers. Very few understood how ABA could make a difference.” Insurers did not recognise ABA either, leaving families to pay out of pocket.

Undeterred, Diana began offering private sessions and workshops for parents, caregivers and teachers, teaching basic ABA principles, early intervention and structured, data-driven skill building. “They’re the ones who spend the most time with their children, so giving them the tools to apply ABA at home is crucial.”

Parents reported better behaviour, communication and daily living skills. Some children who had been non-verbal began using words; others who had struggled socially learned to play with peers.

Diana knew childhood intervention was not enough. As her daughter grew, she asked what happens to neurodivergent people once they become adults. “In Kenya, there’s almost no support for adults with autism. Once they age out of school, there are very few options for employment or community engagement.”

She opened Ayira’s Café, named after her daughter, on Shiko Road in Kilimani, to offer meaningful work to neurodivergent adults. Staff are trained in social and vocational skills built on ABA principles and take part in every part of the café, from preparing meals to serving customers.

“People come in, see the staff, and realise that neurodivergent individuals can work just as effectively as anyone else.”

Diana is quick to say there is still much to do. Demand far outstrips the number of certified professionals, and without government or insurance support many families cannot afford therapy.

She remains optimistic, and is advocating for ABA to be recognised in the Kenyan healthcare system, for insurers to cover it, and for universities to offer ABA certification locally. She continues to offer one-to-one sessions, group workshops and hybrid models.