… Autistic children are blessings, not burdens, says IFA Founder as he rallies Nigeria to end stigma, build inclusive system

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health and social development sectors have issued a strong call for urgent reforms to build inclusive systems for people living with autism, declaring that exclusion is no longer acceptable in a country striving for sustainable development.

Speaking at the 2026 Shine Your Light Autism Conference in Abuja, the Director of Family Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. John Ovuoraye, said Nigeria must move beyond awareness to decisive action that guarantees access to healthcare, education, and supportive policies for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Ovuoraye, who was represented by Dr. Silvanus Welle at the event, organised by Ike Foundation for Autism, said:“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 finalising a national strategy to address the health needs of children with special needs, including autism, signalling a shift toward structured and coordinated intervention.

He stressed that health systems must be strengthened to enable early diagnosis, timely intervention, and continuous support, particularly at the primary healthcare level.

According to him, Nigeria must also expand therapy services and train healthcare providers to respond with both expertise and empathy.

Beyond healthcare, the Director underscored education as a critical pillar of inclusion, lamenting that many children with autism remain locked out of quality learning due to systemic barriers.

“We must build classrooms that accommodate diverse learning needs and train teachers to support neurodiversity, not stigmatise it,” he said.

He further called for stronger policy frameworks backed by adequate funding and legal protections to safeguard the rights and dignity of persons living with autism.

On his part, Founder of the Ike Foundation for Autism, Dr. Nwanze Okidegbe, delivered an emotional appeal, describing children with autism as “lights the world desperately needs to see,” while condemning the widespread stigma, neglect, and misdiagnosis faced by affected families.

“Our children are not burdens, they are blessings,” he declared.

According to him, “Too many remain invisible to the systems meant to support them. That must change.”

He alled for a nationwide shift in perception and policy on autism, declaring that children on the spectrum must no longer be treated as burdens but recognised as valuable members of society with immense potential.

In his message rooted in personal experience, he urged Nigerians to embrace inclusion, compassion, and collective responsibility.

“Every child on the autism spectrum carries within them a light that the world desperately needs to see,” he said, reflecting on how his own son reshaped his understanding of autism and inspired his advocacy journey.

He lamented that Nigeria’s autism response remains inadequate, with many children still misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or excluded from systems meant to support them.

According to him, countless families continue to endure stigma in silence while struggling to access care and acceptance.

“Nigeria’s autism story is still being written, and too many of our children remain invisible. Today, we must say it clearly,our children are not burdens; they are blessings, “he reiterated.

Okidegbe charged stakeholders,including government, professionals, civil society, and parents,to take deliberate steps toward building inclusive communities where children with autism can live with dignity, access opportunities, and thrive.

He commended the Ike Foundation for Autism for creating a platform that brings together key actors to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and drive meaningful change.

“As we deliberate and chart the path forward, we remain committed to amplifying awareness, strengthening support systems, and ensuring that no family walks this journey alone,” he added.

The IFA founder stressed that achieving real progress would require sustained collaboration and unwavering commitment, expressing hope that discussions at the conference would translate into practical solutions that improve the lives of individuals with autism across Nigeria and beyond.

Medical experts at the conference reinforced the urgency of early detection and intervention.

Dr. Esther Anani of the National Hospital, Abuja, clarified that autism is a neurodevelopmental condition,not a spiritual affliction or vaccine-related disorder,warning against widespread misinformation.

“There is no single known cause of autism, and no link with vaccination,” she said, urging parents to seek medical evaluation when early signs such as delayed speech, poor eye contact, and repetitive behaviours are observed.

Adding a deeply personal dimension, parent and advocate, Seth Adams, highlighted the emotional and social struggles families endure, describing autism diagnosis as “an emotional earthquake” in a society still grappling with stigma and limited support systems.

He called for a national shift from pity to possibility, urging government institutions, schools, and communities to embrace neurodiversity as a strength.

“Inclusion is not charity,it is a right,” Adams said, adding that,“Every child deserves not just to exist, but to belong.”

Participants at the conference collectively agreed that Nigeria must transition from policy discussions to practical implementation, with stronger collaboration among government agencies, educators, healthcare providers, and civil society.

The event brought together families, caregivers, experts, and advocates, all united by a common goal-to replace stigma with understanding and build a future where every autistic child is empowered to shine.