Urge training, policy inclusion of invisible disabilities

Stakeholders have called for greater acceptance and empathy-driven support for people living with autism across Nigerian communities, urging governments, organisations and the public to complement awareness campaigns with practical inclusion through training, policy reforms and recognition of invisible disabilities.

The call was made during a media briefing ahead of the Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Autism Conference, where experts stressed that achieving meaningful inclusion requires collective action in homes, schools, workplaces and public spaces rather than simply increasing awareness of autism.

According to the organisation, the conference will be followed by free one-on-one consultations and clinics for families and individuals living with autism from July 29 to August 1, 2026, in Ikeja, to provide practical support, expert guidance and access to specialised care.

Chief Communications Officer of GTCO, Oyinade Ogunade, said this year’s conference, themed: “Acceptance in Action,” reflects a deliberate shift from creating awareness about autism to encouraging meaningful acceptance.

She said that acceptance could be as simple as remaining calm when a child on the autism spectrum exhibits unusual behaviour in public or creating an environment where affected families feel understood instead of judged.

Behaviour Analyst and Psychologist, Osezusi Bolodeoku, said while awareness of autism had improved over the years, communities must now focus on acceptance, noting that inclusion is demonstrated through actions rather than words.

She, therefore, urged members of the public to recognise developmental concerns early, encourage families to seek professional support and ensure children with autism feel seen and accepted within their communities.

Also speaking, Founder of Cradle Lounge Special Needs Initiative, Solape Azazi, said acceptance starts within families by recognising that autism is neither caused by spiritual forces nor by parental failures.

She encouraged parents to see the child before the diagnosis, show unconditional love and use every opportunity to educate neighbours and community members about autism to reduce stigma and misconceptions.

Similarly, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, Dr Eziafakaku Nwokolo, said creating inclusive public spaces requires empathy and practical adjustments that enable people on the autism spectrum to participate fully in society.

She, therefore, urged employers and service providers to improve communication, accommodate different behavioural needs and avoid making assumptions about individuals whose conditions may not be physically visible.

Nwokolo also called on governments to broaden disability policies to include invisible disabilities, such as autism and to engage parents, professionals and advocacy groups when developing related interventions.