Ahead of World Autism Day: Experts Call for Increased Autism Awareness in Nigeria
…As experts call for policies promoting awareness, education
As the world prepares to commemorate World Autism Day on April 2nd, experts in autism care are calling on the Nigerian government to take decisive action to scale up awareness on the neurological disorder.
The call was made by Dr. Tosin Akande, founder BethelXafe Autism Foundation with autistic children in an Awarenes Conference tagged “Autism and Culture” organized by Bethel Xafe Foundation in Lagos.
According to Dr. Oluwatosin Akande, an autism advocate and founder of Bethel Xafe Autism Foundation, said there is a need for governments at all levels to implement policies that promote awareness, acceptance, and advocacy for individuals with autism in Nigeria and across Africa.
Akande emphasized that autism in Africa is frequently clouded by misconceptions, cultural stigma, and insufficient support systems.
She noted that these myths contribute to stigma and discrimination, discouraging families from seeking medical and therapeutic support.
In her remarks, The Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, Adeola Ekine, called on the government to implement supportive policies that ensure individuals with autism have access to special education, proper healthcare services, and a conducive workplace environment.
Ekine also emphasized the important role the media plays in shaping public perception and driving advocacy for autism awareness.
She urged media professionals to fulfill their moral and professional responsibility by using the media to educate the public, reduce stigma, and advocate for policies that support individuals with autism and their families.
In her address, The International behavioral analyst, Solape Azazi, emphasized the need for the government to implement a policy overhaul that would ensure early intervention for individuals with autism.
Azazi also called for the training of healthcare workers to enable them to identify and diagnose autism in children during immunization appointments.
She further urged that leaders take action to establish a comprehensive database of individuals with autism in Nigeria and across Africa.
Azazi highlighted the important role religious leaders play in raising awareness and preventing autism.
As the world marks World Autism Day on April 2nd, experts are calling on governments, stakeholders, and individuals to take action to promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with autism.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in 100 children worldwide is diagnosed with autism, though under-reporting and lack of diagnostic tools in Africa suggest the prevalence may be even higher.
