Worried about the poor awareness on Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, among Nigerians, a group of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs,  led by Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, is staging a walk and cycling campaign around Lagos as part of activities to mark this year’s World Autism Awareness Day on Saturday.

ASD is a complex pervasive developmental disorder. It is a lifelong developmental disability characterised by great difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria, not much is known of it and stigmatisation of children living with the condition makes it even more difficult.   The  8-kilometre walk kicks off from  Town Planning Way, Ilupeju while the 55-kilometre cycling would take off by 6  from the Syrian Club, Ribadu Road Ikoyi.

Addressing journalists in Lagos, Senior Manager, Communications & External Affairs, GTBank, Oyinade Adegite said the walk and cycling campaign was part of the activities to kick- start the 6th edition of GTBank’s Annual Autism programme which is designed to provide support for children with developmental disabilities, most especially the ASD.

This year’s programme would include the launch of the Bank’s newly designed online community as well as free consultation service for children in Ogun and Lagos States. Participants at the walk would include children living with autism, their parents, families, friends.  It  is being organised in partnership with Patrick Speech and Language Centre, CDC and other Non governmental organisations.

On his part, GBTank’s Managing Director, said this year’s programme would go beyond awareness and make greatest impact by inspiring members of the public to support people living with autism as well as fight stigma they face.

Vice Captain, Cycology, Mr. Osa Afe, said the campaign would cover major routes such as 3rd Mainland Bridge, Ikorodu Road, and the Lekki Expressway.