A non-governmental organisation, Hadassah Developmental Care and Nutrition Foundation (HDCN) has called for early detection and intervention to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) lead meaningful lives and pursue successful careers.
Programme Co-ordinator for the Foundation, Mrs Oluwatosin Elugbe made the call while speaking with pressmen after an Autism Awareness Walk organised to commemorate World Autism Day.

The Walk for Autism along CMD Road, Magodo, area of Lagos.

World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognised day annually on April 2, aimed to spread awareness about autism as a disorder and to support those who are suffering from it.

It is a global healthcare event that focuses on the acceptance, support, and inclusion of autistic people and advocacy of their rights.

Speaking on this year’s theme is ‘Empowering Autistic Voices,’ which is aimed to provide more support and power to individuals with this condition, Elugbe noted that in African societies, Nigeria inclusive, autism seems not so easily recognised even among educated parents, let alone among those who are not literate. This makes help for children with the condition come in quite late due to late detection.

She added that the condition, marked by serious difficulties in communicating and interacting with other people, is believed that through early detection, there can be a recovery.

She called for early intervention/treatment, preparation (educating expectant mothers, caregivers and health centres for long-term management of the condition) and understanding from society.

While acknowledging the challenges involved in caring for individuals with autism and their families, Elugbe urged parents and caregivers to pay close attention to them and seek assistance when needed.

“Children living with autism need extra care and attention. They are not to be neglected, or cast aside. The challenge is that people are not well informed about the condition. When parents are not informed, families resort to isolating such children, abandoning them, or even killing them in some cases. This is not supposed to be so.

“There are famous people around the world who have broken stereotypes and have accomplished a lot in this world, thereby being a source of inspiration to others,” she said.

Founded in 2018, Hadassah Developmental Care and Nutrition Foundation (HDCN) was established to provide counselling and support for children with special needs and their families, help children maximise their potential regardless of their challenges, and provide awareness of the importance of the safety and security of the girl child.