Integrated Mental Health & Neurodevelopment Healing Village in Northern Uganda
The Problem
Neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia affect millions of children globally, yet early identification and support remain extremely limited in low-resource settings. In Africa, the absence of trained specialists, weak inclusive education systems, and limited diagnostic capacity results in widespread exclusion and delayed intervention.
In Uganda, while a significant proportion of children live with disabilities, less than 5% access inclusive education. Awareness of learning differences such as dyslexia and autism remains low among educators, and implementation of inclusive education policies is constrained by limited resources and specialist capacity.
In Northern Uganda, particularly Gulu and surrounding districts, these challenges are compounded by years of conflict and poverty. Children with neurodevelopmental conditions face limited access to assessment and specialized care, inadequate teacher preparedness, weak referral systems, and high levels of stigma within communities. As a result, many children remain unsupported throughout their developmental and educational journey.
Our Solution – The ADILE Approach
The Access to Inclusive and Diagnostic Learning Enhancement (ADILE) Approach is designed to build an integrated, scalable system for early identification, diagnosis, support, and inclusion of children with neurodevelopmental conditions in Northern Uganda.
Goal
To enable 10,000 children with dyslexia, autism, and ADHD to access early screening, diagnosis, treatment, and inclusive learning by 2031.
Core Interventions
1. Inclusive Screening, Diagnostic & Support Center (Gulu)
- Provide structured assessment, therapy, and residential support for neurodevelopmental conditions
- Serve as a regional hub for specialist services and referral coordination
- Generate evidence for research, innovation, and policy development
2. Capacity Building for Systems Strengthening
- Train over 2,100 teachers, health workers, and specialists
- Strengthen early identification, inclusive pedagogy, and trauma-informed care
- Build a sustainable regional workforce of inclusive education and neurodevelopment practitioners
3. School-Based Screening & Inclusive Learning
- Screen 10,000 children across 200 schools
- Introduce Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and structured literacy support
- Establish Stress-Free Clubs to support psychosocial wellbeing and inclusion
4. Community Awareness & Parent Engagement
- Reach 30,000 parents and community members through dialogues, radio, and parent support groups
- Strengthen early referral pathways and home-based support systems
- Reduce stigma and improve understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions
5. Digital Referral & Monitoring System
- Track screening, referrals, and learning outcomes
- Strengthen continuity of care and follow-up systems
- Generate data for policy advocacy and national scale-up
Impact & Sustainability
Short-term outcomes:
- Early identification of learning differences
- Improved teacher capacity
- Increased referrals and reduced stigma
- Strengthened psychosocial and learning support in schools
Sustainability strategy:
- The diagnostic and support center evolves into a permanent regional hub
- Trained teachers and community health systems ensure multiplier impact
- Digital systems support continuous monitoring, learning, and advocacy
Long-term outcomes:
- Improved literacy and school retention rates
- Inclusive education systems embedded at community level
- Strengthened neurodevelopmental and mental health support structures
- Scalable model for regional and national adoption
Impact & Sustainability
Short-term outcomes:
- Early identification of learning differences
- Improved teacher capacity
- Increased referrals and reduced stigma
- Strengthened psychosocial and learning support in schools
Sustainability strategy:
- The diagnostic and support center evolves into a permanent regional hub
- Trained teachers and community health systems ensure multiplier impact
- Digital systems support continuous monitoring, learning, and advocacy
Long-term outcomes:
- Improved literacy and school retention rates
- Inclusive education systems embedded at community level
- Strengthened neurodevelopmental and mental health support structures
- Scalable model for regional and national adoption
Partnership Progress
We are pleased to note that, through our partnership with Ibara (https://ibaralearn.com/#what)
Call to Action
We invite partners to invest in the Neurodivergent Program to transform the future of children in Northern Uganda by enabling:
- Early and accurate screening and diagnosis
- Strengthened inclusive education systems
- Reduced stigma and empowered communities
Together, we can ensure that dyslexia, autism, and ADHD are no longer barriers to learning, dignity, and potential—but conditions met with understanding, support, and opportunity.
Our Partners
