World Autism Day: Stakeholders Urge Government Support for Families with Autistic Children
Stakeholders in Nigeria's autism community have called for enhanced government and community-backed support systems to alleviate the burden on families raising children on the autism spectrum. This appeal was made during the 2026 "Shine Your Light on Autism Spectrum Conference" organized by the Ike Foundation for Autism in Abuja, coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day.
Government Commitment to Action
Dr. John Ovuoraye, Director of Family Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, emphasized that Nigeria must move beyond awareness to decisive action. He stressed the need for guaranteed access to healthcare, education, and supportive policies for individuals with autism. Represented by Dr. Silvanus Welle, Ovuoraye stated, "Autism is not a limitation of potential; it is a different way of experiencing the world. Inclusion is not an option; it is a necessity."
He revealed that the Federal Government is finalizing a national strategy to address the health needs of children with special needs, including autism, marking a shift toward structured and coordinated intervention. Ovuoraye highlighted the importance of strengthening health systems to enable early diagnosis, timely intervention, and continuous support, particularly at the primary healthcare level. He also called for expanded therapy services and training for healthcare providers to respond with both expertise and empathy.
Collective Responsibility and Community Support
Ikemba Iweala, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ike Foundation for Autism, underscored that caring for children with special needs is a collective responsibility. He noted that many parents face significant financial and emotional challenges in providing adequate care. Iweala remarked, "I speak for ordinary people. When ordinary people come together, they can support themselves. Parents are going through a lot. Attending to their children's needs is not cheap."
He urged government institutions and stakeholders to ensure that individuals with autism receive the same level of care and support as others in society, emphasizing that societal indifference often exacerbates the struggles faced by families.
Building Inclusive Systems
Okidegbe Nwanze, Founder of the Ike Foundation for Autism, represented by Team Lead Arinze Jebose, highlighted that the conference aligns with the global observance of World Autism Awareness Day under the theme: "Shine Your Light on Autism: Building Inclusive Systems." Nwanze pointed out that autism awareness in Nigeria is still evolving, with many children being misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or excluded from support systems.
He stressed the importance of changing the narrative to ensure families no longer bear the burden of stigma in silence. Nwanze declared, "Nigeria's autism story is still being written, and it is conferences like this that hold the pen. Today, we say clearly: our children are not burdens, they are blessings. Our responsibility is to build a society where every autistic child can thrive with dignity, inclusion, and joy."
Parental Experiences and Early Intervention
During the event, parents shared their personal experiences, highlighting the critical role of early intervention. Etu Idoko, a father of a child on the spectrum, emphasized the importance of early support despite the financial strain. He stated, "With the intervention, we've seen a lot of improvement. It's exhausting financially, but I believe it's worth it. Early intervention is very necessary." Idoko noted that his family has benefited from the foundation's support over the past year, underscoring the value of community assistance.
The conference served as a platform to advocate for systemic changes, urging the government and society to prioritize the needs of autistic individuals and their families. Stakeholders reiterated that with coordinated efforts, Nigeria can create a more inclusive environment where autistic children can reach their full potential.
