The Chief Consultant at Zerenity Wellness, Olufowobi Gbadebo, has stressed that early diagnosis, combined with strong social support systems, is vital to improving outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Gbadebo spoke at an Autism Awareness picnic organised by Temple Schools and Greenwood House School, aimed at promoting inclusion, awareness, and acceptance of persons living with autism.

He said early identification of autism spectrum disorder enables affected individuals to access appropriate interventions that can significantly enhance their development and quality of life. He added that consistent support for families, alongside inclusive healthcare and educational systems, remains essential in addressing challenges associated with the condition.

The picnic, themed “Spread Out The Blanket, Everyone Belongs,” sought to deepen understanding, acceptance, and awareness of autism.

Gbadebo noted that autism spectrum disorder affects approximately one in every 30 to 31 individuals, with boys about three times more likely to be diagnosed than girls. He identified early warning signs in children to include difficulty with social interaction—such as inability to point at objects, poor response when called by name, limited eye contact, and heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli like noise and light.

According to him, experienced professionals can reliably diagnose autism in children as young as two years old, stressing that early intervention significantly improves outcomes.

He explained that autism exists on a spectrum, with varying levels of support needs, from individuals requiring extensive care to those needing minimal assistance.

He called for increased awareness and stronger social support systems for families, including access to affordable diagnostic and intervention services. He also urged the government to prioritise autism in healthcare policy, similar to other medical conditions receiving national attention.

The psychiatrist advocated financial assistance, inclusive education funding, as well as housing and employment support, noting that autism affects both children and adults.

Also speaking, psychotherapist and neuro-linguistic practitioner, Damilola Adedeji, urged parents to move away from rigid societal expectations and embrace the uniqueness of every child. She noted that traditional standards often overlook individual developmental paths.

According to her, each child’s journey is different and should be understood and supported accordingly. She highlighted the financial burden faced by parents of non-neurotypical children, stressing that limited institutional support and a shortage of trained specialists make care expensive and difficult to navigate.

Despite the challenges, Adedeji described the experience as rewarding, noting that such children often possess unique strengths and creativity. She called for increased awareness across homes, schools, religious institutions, and government, urging policymakers to introduce grants and invest in training more therapists to bridge existing gaps.

Founding Director of Temple Schools, Shirley Okharedia, called for greater awareness and inclusion of children with special needs. She noted that schools are playing a leading role in educating pupils, describing today’s children as socially aware and influential in spreading knowledge.

While commending ongoing government and institutional efforts, she said more work is needed, noting that the field continues to evolve globally. Okharedia, who also heads Greenwood House School in Parkview, Ikoyi, urged society to end the stigmatisation of children with autism and other conditions, stressing that no parent chooses such circumstances. She advocated acceptance, understanding, and inclusion, emphasising that every child deserves equal opportunity and a sense of belonging.

Chairman of Temple Schools and Greenwood House School, Robert Okharedia, reiterated the institution’s commitment to inclusive education and called for broader societal acceptance of children with autism.

He said the school introduced an autism programme after observing a growing number of students on the spectrum, providing parents with access to specialists for guidance on managing the condition. He, however, lamented widespread stigma, noting that many families feel ashamed while society fails to create supportive environments.

Head of the Exceptional Learners Department, Oseri Owoeye, described inclusion as a collective responsibility, urging greater acceptance of children with autism. Owoeye said the event celebrated diversity and highlighted autism as a unique way of experiencing the world, not a limitation. She emphasised that every child deserves understanding, opportunity, and love, adding that inclusion goes beyond awareness to meaningful action.

She noted that the schools have built a supportive community where children with diverse needs can thrive, stressing that collaboration among educators, parents, and therapists remains key to unlocking potential and building a more compassionate and equitable society.