Autism in Nigeria: A Journey of hope, struggle and acceptance

By Abiemwense Moru/NAN

Mrs Irene Jacob still remembers the day her son stopped responding to his name.

Once lively and responsive, he gradually withdrew into silence, leaving her confused and her relatives whispering fears about his condition.

However, early intervention slowly helped him reconnect with his surroundings, restoring hope to a journey she once thought was lost.

Across Nigeria, similar stories are becoming more common.

This reflects growing awareness of autism spectrum disorder, as well as a gradual but steady push for early diagnosis, intervention and inclusion.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges in communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviours.

According to global estimates, about one in every 100 to 127 children may be on the autism spectrum, although experts say figures in Nigeria remain uncertain due to limited data and underdiagnosis.

In Nigeria, available studies suggest prevalence rates ranging from about 0.8 to 2.9 per cent depending on the population studied, with higher figures recorded in clinical and school-based settings.

However, researchers caution that the absence of national data means the true scale is likely underreported.

Against this backdrop, experts emphasise that early identification remains crucial to improving outcomes.

Mrs Maryam Maifada, Chief Executive Officer of Mimfad Autism Developmental and other Disabilities Support Initiative, said early detection significantly improves a child’s developmental progress, particularly when intervention begins in early childhood.

She noted that delays in diagnosis often reduce the effectiveness of support aimed at improving communication and social skills.

Albeit increasing awareness, however, many children in Nigeria are still diagnosed late.

This is largely due to limited public understanding, stigma and poor access to diagnostic services, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Similarly, Dr Torty Chimaeze, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, said early warning signs such as delayed speech, poor eye contact and lack of social interaction are often overlooked or misunderstood.

As a result, many families only seek help when symptoms become severe, thereby reducing the chances of effective intervention.

For many parents, therefore, recognition is only the beginning, as access to specialist care and therapy services remains limited, costly and unevenly distributed across the country.

Beyond individual experiences, systemic and cultural barriers continue to shape outcomes.

In many communities, cultural beliefs and misinformation still influence perceptions of autism, with some cases wrongly attributed to spiritual causes or poor parenting.

Consequently, stigma persists, discouraging families from seeking timely medical support.

Advocates argue that addressing these misconceptions is essential to improving early intervention and reducing long-term developmental challenges.

At the same time, Nigeria’s health and education systems continue to face capacity gaps in managing autism and other developmental disorders.

Specialists note a shortage of trained therapists, while services such as speech and occupational therapy remain inaccessible in many parts of the country.

Against this backdrop, Dr Rabi Abubakar-Mohammed, a medical practitioner and mother of two autistic children, urged families to accept autism early and focus on support rather than stigma.

She stressed that autism is not a curse but a developmental condition requiring understanding, acceptance and structured care.

In addition, experts say inclusion must move beyond policy statements into everyday practice in schools and communities.

Dr Adeola Ekine, Special Adviser to the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, said inclusive education requires deliberate effort in teaching methods, communication and classroom adaptation.

However, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate training for teachers and limited resources continue to hinder effective implementation.

Nevertheless, advocates maintain that inclusive education benefits not only children with autism but also their peers by promoting empathy and social understanding.

Meanwhile, government efforts are gradually expanding, with increased attention to autism awareness, early screening and disability inclusion.

Some states have introduced awareness campaigns, training programmes and support initiatives aimed at improving diagnosis and care.

At the national level, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has emphasised the need to strengthen caregiver support systems and integrate disability inclusion into broader development planning, especially in health, education and social protection.

Experts further highlight the importance of expanding autism services through specialised centres, improved workforce training and sustained investment in early intervention programmes.

Beyond government intervention, stakeholders say societal acceptance remains central to progress.

Mr Remi Olutimayin, an autism advocate and voice actor, said empathy and understanding are essential to improving the quality of life of individuals on the spectrum.

He called for sustained public education to reduce stigma and encourage early help-seeking behaviour.

Similarly, younger voices are also contributing to the conversation.

Ten-year-old actress Dera Osadebe said inclusion should be practised daily through kindness, patience and friendship, noting that small actions can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with autism.

In addition, specialists say structured interventions such as behavioural therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy can greatly improve developmental outcomes when introduced early.

However, access remains uneven due to cost, distance and shortage of professionals.

In spite of these challenges, advocates say progress is being recorded through increasing awareness, community engagement and advocacy efforts across the country.

For parents like Irene Jacob, early intervention has already made a difference.

From silence to gradual communication, her son’s progress reflects what experts describe as the combined impact of early support, acceptance and consistent care.

Ultimately, while challenges remain, Nigeria’s response to autism is gradually shifting from silence and stigma towards awareness and inclusion.

Experts say the journey is far from complete, but growing public understanding, policy attention and advocacy efforts are helping to reshape outcomes for thousands of children.

For many families, the hope remains that early support and acceptance will enable children on the autism spectrum to thrive, connect with others, and live meaningful lives.