The Shades of Life Foundation has taken its campaign for autism awareness across borders, completing a 420-kilometre cycling expedition from Lagos to the Republic of Benin and back as part of its flagship Ride4Autism West Africa 3.0 initiative.

The third edition of the ride, themed “Embracing Difference,” brought together cyclists who endured difficult terrain and weather conditions to engage communities, schools and organisations on autism awareness, early detection and inclusion.

A major highlight of the campaign was the foundation’s stop at Brèsil Public Primary School, Ouidah, where the cyclists held a #KnowTheSigns awareness session for teachers, parents and community leaders.

The interactive session focused on recognising early signs of autism and the importance of seeking professional support promptly, while challenging stigma and misconceptions surrounding developmental disabilities.

Founder of Shades of Life Foundation, Dr Eziafakaku Nwokolo, said the school engagement demonstrated the importance of taking autism awareness to the grassroots.

According to the Founder, Shades of Life Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to raising awareness, providing support, educating, and advocating for individuals with autism and their families across Africa.

Nwokolo noted that the organisation aims to create an environment in which children with autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and related developmental disabilities can live to their full potential, adding that through programmes such as Ride4Autism, the foundation fosters inclusion, education, and empowerment.

“Awareness begins at the grassroots level. Teachers and parents are the first line of support for children, and by empowering them with knowledge, we are building a future where no child is left behind,” Nwokolo said.

The foundation said the engagement also highlighted the critical role schools can play in identifying developmental differences early, with teachers encouraged to incorporate autism awareness into classroom activities and parents urged to seek medical and therapeutic support without fear of stigma.

The campaign received positive responses from participants, with teachers pledging greater attention to autism awareness in their classrooms and parents expressing appreciation for the practical guidance provided.

Nwokolo described Ride4Autism West Africa as more than a sporting event, saying it was designed to combine advocacy, education and community engagement.

“Ride4Autism West Africa is more than a cycling event; it is a movement of hope, resilience, education, and advocacy. By riding across borders, we remind society that autism knows no boundaries, and neither should compassion and inclusion.”

She added that the #KnowTheSigns campaign was particularly important because early recognition could help parents and educators secure appropriate support for children.

Upon returning to Lagos, the cyclists concluded the campaign with a visit to Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Club for the Seventh Play With Stephen Golf Tournament, an initiative that raises awareness and funds for organisations supporting autistic people across West Africa.

The foundation said the successful completion of Ride4Autism West Africa 3.0 reinforced its commitment to taking autism awareness beyond major cities and into communities where knowledge about neurodiversity remains limited.