Nigeria Must Move Beyond Autism Awareness to Practical Inclusion, Conference Urges

Sixteen years ago, discussions about autism in Nigeria were hushed, with many families hiding affected children due to stigma and misunderstanding. Schools and workplaces lacked basic knowledge of the condition. Today, the landscape is shifting. Parents increasingly seek diagnoses, inclusive education is gaining traction in schools, and organizations are fostering dialogue around neurodiversity.

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I think that over a 16-year period, we have done a decent job of creating awareness. Today, more families are willing to acknowledge that they have children or adults living on the spectrum, even if they do not fully understand why.

However, the 16th Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Autism Conference in Lagos underscored that awareness alone is insufficient. The theme, 'Acceptance in Action,' signaled a move from simply acknowledging autism's existence to actively equipping families, schools, and employers with the practical skills needed for autistic individuals to thrive.

GTCO Group Chief Executive Officer Segun Agbaje observed that while 16 years of advocacy have significantly dismantled the culture of denial in Nigeria, enabling more families to acknowledge autism, this is just the beginning. "The next thing we have to deal with is learning how to cope and learning how to live with people on the spectrum," Agbaje stated. He emphasized that autism advocacy must now concentrate on providing practical support within communities and families, rather than solely promoting acceptance.

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The next thing we have to deal with is learning how to cope and learning how to live with people on the spectrum.

Agbaje acknowledged that not all workplaces can accommodate every autistic individual due to varying support needs. "There will be a lot of people who cannot work in Guaranty Trust simply because it would be too difficult for them and too difficult for the organization," he explained, highlighting the complexity of integrating autistic individuals into professional environments.

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There will be a lot of people who cannot work in Guaranty Trust simply because it would be too difficult for them and too difficult for the organization.