Health
Autism Not A Curse, Manageable With Support – Experts
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
A Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, Dr Joy Alejo, says autism is not a curse but a neurodevelopmental condition, which is manageable with the right support.
Alejo, from the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ibadan, in commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day on Thursday.
NAN reports that World Autism Awareness Day is commemorated on April 2 annually and the 2026 theme is “Autism and Humanity – Every Life has Value”.
The consultant paediatric neurologist insisted that Autism was not a curse, rather a condition that required medical attention and support, emphasising that no two children with autism presented the same way.
According to her, the early signs include not making eye contact, delayed speech, and repetitive behaviors.
“If any of these signs are noticed, parents should not wait, they should bring their child to a paediatrician immediately for a proper developmental assessment,” she advised.
Alejo said the risk factors were multifactorial and included genetics, advanced parental age, prenatal infections, and premature birth.
“Vaccines do not cause autism – this claim has been thoroughly and repeatedly debunked by the global scientific and medical community,” she stressed.
She urged parents of autism children to know that they are not alone and their child was not broken.
“Your child simply experiences the world differently, and with the right support, he/she can thrive.
“Accepting and affirming your child, learning their triggers, establishing routines, communicating clearly, advocating at school and self-care are very important.
“Inclusion is not charity, it is justice. When we include children with autism in our schools, our communities, our places of worship, we are not doing them a favour but doing what is right,” she said.
Ajelo recommended therapies including Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training.
According to her, the earlier intervention begins, the better the outcomes.
On this year’s theme, she said: “Every child with autism, whether they speak in full sentences or not at all, whether they graduate from university or require lifelong care — is fully human, fully worthy of dignity, love and belonging”.
Ajelo added that a society was measured not by how it treated its most celebrated members but by how it treated its most vulnerable.
Also, a Social Worker, Dr Rosemary Odigbo, emphasised that families could access autism support services through multiple channels.
Odigbo encouraged parents and caregivers to seek assessment when they notice developmental differences such as delayed speech, limited eye contact or repetitive behaviors.
According to her, support can be accessed through health facilities, government and non-governmental organisations, and disability-focused NGOs providing therapy and counseling.
“Social workers play a vital role by linking families to services, advocating for inclusion, and helping them navigate available resources,” Odigbo noted.
She noted that individuals with autism and families faced challenges like stigma, limited services and financial strain.
These, the social worker said, could be tackled through public awareness, early intervention, inclusive policies, family empowerment and multi-sector collaboration.
The social worker urged the society to promote inclusion by creating environments that accepted and accommodated differences rather than trying to ‘fix’ individuals with autism.
Odigbo noted that communities could speak openly about autism, reject stigma, and support families while schools could adopt inclusive practices and train teachers.
According to her also, institutions can provide accommodation and promote disability-friendly policies.
“True inclusion means belonging, dignity, and participation, not pity.
“We must move beyond awareness to acceptance, inclusion, and action, autism is not a limitation to humanity; it is a different way of experiencing the world.
“Being different is not being less; together, we can build a society where children and adults with autism are seen, supported and celebrated,” Odigbo said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Christiana Fadare
