Nigerians have been urged to reject the stigmatization of persons on the autism spectrum while accepting them as normal members of the society.
Autism is a developmental condition characterised by challenges in communication, social interaction and behaviour. It affects an estimated one percent of the global population.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Zamarr Institute Centre for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs, Oluronke Katagum, called on Nigerians to embrace autistic persons on Saturday, after a commemorative walk held in Abuja to mark Autism Acceptance Month.
The walk, themed ‘Light It Up Blue: Walk, Run, Ride for Autism’, moved from Jabi to Berger in the Wuse area of Abuja. Participants included children with special needs, caregivers, and advocates.
Katagun, at the event, led calls for greater acceptance of persons on the autism spectrum, urging society to embrace neurodiversity and support inclusive development.
She stressed that the focus must shift from awareness to full societal acceptance of autism persons.
“This is Autism Awareness Month. It is no longer just about awareness; it is about acceptance. What we want in our society is for all of us to be able to walk together and celebrate our differences. Let’s celebrate neurodiversity.
“This walk is being organised by Zamarr Institute, which is celebrating 20 years of providing special needs assistance,” Katagun explained.
She highlighted the uniqueness and potential of children on the autism spectrum, citing the example of one of the participants.
“Erioluwa was non-verbal until the age of seven, but now he is very smart and intelligent. He knows all the states of the country and all the presidents. He knows so much and is still eager to learn more, and he would love to share that with you,” she said.
Emphasising the need for improved support systems, Katagun noted that children with special needs have valuable contributions to make to society.
“We must do more. We have to provide a lot more for persons with special needs, especially for children who are neurodiverse, because they have a lot to offer.
“Around the world, you see people with special needs integrating into society. Let us do the same here and stop criticising and condemning our differences,” she stated.
Speaking further, Katagun identified stigma and financial limitations as major challenges confronting families and institutions supporting children with special needs.
“My children face stigmatisation because we often frown at differences, and that is what we want to change. Finance is also a challenge.
“Even now, we are planning a fundraising event at the end of May because we want to raise funds to build a respite centre where our children can stay while their parents take a short break,” Katagun added.
She disclosed that the institute currently cares for 25 children on a daily basis, and is seeking to raise N250 million to establish a special needs facility.
“We will also need funds for sustainability, even though we have other plans that will help subsidise and support the project,” Katagum noted, while calling for increased government involvement in providing care for autistic children.
Katagun revealed that there is an ongoing collaboration with the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, to harmonise efforts and strengthen advocacy.
“The government needs to participate more and provide greater support. I think the private sector believes the government is not interested, but I believe that once we engage them properly, they will respond.
“Even now, the Minister for Women Affairs wants to bring all the organisations together so we can have a unified voice. Instead of working separately, the Ministry of Women Affairs can serve as the coordinating body, especially for autism, because there is a bill that is expected, and I am confident it will be refined to work for everyone,” Katagun explained.
Speaking during the event, one of the special needs children, Enoch, highlighted his learning experience, “I have learnt a lot. I really love animals so much. I know the different species across the world and other things like space and the universe.”