Most often than not, Nigerian parents are wont to be superstitious, and in some cases nonchalant, about childhood development. A delayed speech is met with casualness that undermines the potential severity of the problem. Autistic behaviours could warrant severe corporal punishment and perhaps several trips to a charlatan religious leader for prayers.

The problem is often the culture that suppresses open discussion of mental health challenges, especially for kids. Invariably, hundreds of thousands of kids go through the entire childhood without being properly diagnosed with their challenges. In many cases, they grow to become adults who carry around their traumas.

Culture of silence is pervasive, and it is reflected in the number of trained professionals available in the country of over 200 million that can adequately cater to the needs of children with varying degrees of challenges. It is more worrisome in Nigeria, where almost half the population is under 15, because there is still little understanding of how common these disorders are among children.

With many of the special needs schools priced out of the reach of the vast majority of the people, my niece was lumped up with other kids in a public school that did little to help her.

Apart from the social stigma the children and their parents must endure, a vast majority of public schools do not have facilities to cater to their special needs. Moreover, many of the teachers in the schools that serve children with special needs are poorly trained. This lack of adequate training translates to insufficient attention being paid to the unique challenges special needs children face. Consequently, these children often experience frustration, isolation, and a diminished opportunity to reach their potential.

The shortcomings in the educational system are compounded by broader societal attitudes. Mental health issues, including developmental disorders, tend to be misunderstood or outright ignored, leading parents to seek solutions that are sometimes more harmful than helpful. The reliance on traditional beliefs and religious interventions often delays appropriate medical and therapeutic attention, exacerbating the difficulties children face.

Nigeria’s healthcare sector also suffers from a dearth of specialists such as child psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and paediatric neurologists. This shortage means many conditions go unrecognized or untreated, leaving children without the vital support structures to thrive. Early intervention, which is crucial for better outcomes in developmental disorders, remains a dream for many families, particularly those without significant financial means.

Addressing this issue calls for a multi-pronged approach. First, public awareness must be raised about the realities of childhood developmental disorders and mental health challenges. Breaking the culture of silence requires open conversations that destigmatize these conditions and encourage parents to seek timely professional help instead of resorting to punitive or superstitious measures.

Second, government policies should prioritize investment in training specialized professionals and equipping schools to cater to children with diverse needs. This includes not only increasing the number of special needs schools but also integrating special education programs within mainstream schools to promote inclusivity. Teachers need proper training and resources to identify, understand, and support children with learning difficulties and developmental disorders.

Third, financial barriers to accessing specialized education and therapy must be lowered. Subsidies, scholarships, or public-private partnerships could help ensure that children from lower-income families receive the support they need. Without such measures, the gap between the privileged few and the majority will continue to widen, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.

Finally, community and religious leaders should be engaged constructively in these efforts. Given their influence, they can help reshape narratives around mental health and foster environments that promote acceptance and understanding rather than fear or blame.

Protecting and nurturing children with developmental challenges demands more than isolated actions. It requires dismantling deeply entrenched cultural stigmas, enhancing professional capabilities, improving educational infrastructure, and expanding access to services for all children regardless of socioeconomic status. Only through such comprehensive and sustained efforts can Nigeria hope to create a society where every child is valued, supported, and given the chance to thrive. The future of millions depends on it.

Temidayo Jaiyesimi is a dyslexia identification and intervention expert.