Yanela Kotelo

Ykotelo leads Reach Out Autism, a resource and advocacy organization focused on autism awareness in African communities. The organization provides educational materials, family support services, and fundraising programs through its YouTube channel and in-person events. Their content emphasizes the "Different Not Disabled" framework while featuring both lived experiences and clinical perspectives. The annual African Soirée fundraiser serves as a cornerstone event for connecting families, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders. Radio Africana partners with Reach Out Autism to amplify stories of neurodiversity across cultural contexts. These collaborations help direct resources to autism support centers while building networks among caregivers and professionals. Reach Out Autism's programming spans educational workshops, family counseling, and community outreach initiatives. The organization maintains an active YouTube presence documenting personal narratives and expert insights about life on the autism spectrum. Their work specifically addresses the intersection of autism awareness and African cultural perspectives.