Experts and disability rights advocates have called for the integration of neurotypical and neurodivergent children in the same classrooms, saying inclusive education would foster empathy, reduce stigma and prepare children to live together as equals.

Speaking in Abuja at a media parley organised by the Intellectual Disability Cluster Right-in-Action Project, with the theme, “Breaking the Barriers: Turning Inclusive Education Policies into Practice,” they said segregating children with disabilities deprives both groups of important opportunities to learn, socialise and understand one another.

According to the Programmes Officer, Ria by Maria Autism Foundation, Becky Selekere, children naturally learn from one another, and allowing them to interact freely could significantly improve the development of neurodivergent children.

These children are playing with one another. They also want to follow what the other children are doing, and that can impact their progress very well,” she said.

However, she stressed that the benefits of inclusive classrooms are not limited to children living with disabilities, noting that neurotypical children also stood to gain significantly from the experience.

Also, the Programmes Manager, The Engraced Ones Prayer Support and Advocacy Initiative, Ayobami Adefioye, maintained that inclusion should be viewed as a right rather than charity, urging stakeholders to ensure that children with disabilities were given equal opportunities to learn, participate and develop their potential.