Professionals and other stakeholders in the nation’s health, finance, education and other critical sectors of the economy, have stressed the need to create more awareness on autism disorder, in order to ensure effective management and prevent stigmatization among those with the disorder.
Making the call at a media briefing, organised by the Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCo) to announce this year’s edition of the Autism Conference and Free Consultation, in Lagos, recently, International Behaviour Analyst, Solape Azazi, stated that the call had become imperative to address some ill-conceived notions about the disorder.
While commending GTCo for staying the course, and providing a platform for those with Autism disorder to be heard, Solape noted that with more awareness and sensitization, those whose relations suffer from the disorder would be emboldened to discuss such in the open.
Echoing Solape’s position, a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo, noted that the media should play a major role in creating awareness for autism in the country.
“Autism is a vital issue that must be discussed. Unfortunately, a lot of people still don’t know what the disorder is all about. People with Autism still get stigmatized, because the society doesn’t really know what Autism is all about, and this is where the media comes in. The media has a role to play here,” she stated.
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The Chief Communication Officer, GTCo, Oyinade Adegite, explained that this year’s conference, tagged: “Acceptance in Action”, the 16th in the series, demonstrates the Group’s commitment to advocating for Autism through access to developmental support, professional guidance, and learning opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
“It reflects the need to move beyond awareness towards creating environments where individuals on the Autism spectrum are supported, and empowered at home, in school, in workplace, and public spaces,” she stated.
Adegite added that the 2026 programme, expected to hold between today, Monday, July 27 and August 1, on Lagos Island and Ikeja; and Ghana from August 4th- 8th, this year, will feature expert-led discussions, workshops, and free consultation sessions.
Commenting on the 2026 GTCO Autism Programme, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje, described the program as a proof of what sustained commitment could achieve.
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