Kemi Akintokun

Dr Oluwatosin Akande, the Founder of Bethel Xafe Autism Foundation has called for inclusive policies, interventions and cultural acceptance to improve the quality of life of autistic individuals.

 

 

 

Akande made the call at the Autism Awareness Conference organised by the foundation on Thursday, as part of activities to commemorate the 2025 World Autism Awareness Day.

 

 

 

World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated globally on April 2 to raise awareness about autism and promote understanding and acceptance of autistic people.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is “Autism and Culture: Awareness and Acceptance.”

 

 

 

Akande said Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is not new in Africa but is often shrouded in misconception, cultural stigmatisation and inadequate support system.

 

 

 

“It remains one of the most misunderstood and marginalised conditions.”

 

 

 

The founder said the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2021 revealed that one in 100 children globally is diagnosed with autism.

 

 

 

Akande emphasised that underreporting and lack of diagnostic tools in Africa hinder accurate data on the prevalence rate.

 

 

 

She explained that a major challenge lies in cultural beliefs and misconceptions which attribute autism to supernatural forces, curses, or spiritual affliction.

 

 

 

“This conference theme underscores the intersection of culture and autism which is a crucial discourse that demands our collective attention on how traditional African beliefs influence the perception of autism and its role in fostering inclusion or perpetuating stigma.

 

 

 

“While significant progress has been made globally in understanding and accommodating individuals on the autism spectrum, many African societies remain rooted in traditional interpretations that hinder acceptance and appropriate intervention.

 

 

 

“These myths foster stigma and discrimination, preventing families from seeking medical and therapeutic assistance.

 

 

 

“This conference aims to pioneer practical solutions that ensure early diagnosis, accessibility to education, and policy inclusion.

 

 

 

“Most importantly, an Africa where every autistic child and adult is accepted, supported, and empowered,” she said.

 

 

 

Akande said the foundation was established with a commitment to support individuals and families with autism by creating a world where autism is accepted, understood, and celebrated.

 

 

 

She added that the foundation was centred on four pillars which include awareness, advocacy, support and empowerment.

 

 

 

Also, Mrs Solape Azazi, an International Behaviour Analyst emphasised the need for a policy change that would help identify early autistic disorder in children and provide an inclusive environment for them to thrive.

 

 

 

Azazi, an autism advocate who is one of the guest speakers at the conference said public enlightenment was key in addressing some of the cultural myths and stigma associated with autism.

 

 

 

She said, “We have to start to identify cases of autism from when the children are coming in for their immunisation and provide intervention.

 

 

 

“This can only be achieved if our healthcare workers are well trained, so it goes back to policies whereby we’re educating the public health workers on things to look out for.

 

“Also, policies in our education system don’t accommodate a lot of inclusivity for children with autism. Inclusion goes beyond the physical structure, things like educational materials that are suitable should be put into consideration”.

 

 

 

Also speaking, Dr Adeola Ekine, Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter, tasked journalists to use their various platforms to create awareness that would foster inclusiveness and cultural acceptance for autistic individuals.

 

NAN reports that a major highlight of the conference was a video presentation by Zekwande Mathenjwa, a South African living with autism.

 

The video, titled ‘Escaping from Silence”,  highlighted some of the challenges Mathenjwa faced while growing up and how he was able to overcome them through the help of a speech therapist engaged by his parents.

 

The presentation of songs by children with autism also spiced up the conference. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola