The founder of the Sustainable Development for Africa Youth Initiative (SuDAYI), Victoria Jim, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), is advocating for greater inclusivity and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Jim made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during the unveiling of SuDAYI, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in creating a more inclusive society for individuals with autism and their families.

According to Jim, every individual with autism deserves access to quality education, healthcare, and social services that cater to their specific needs.

“Growing up in Africa, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals with autism and other disabilities.

“I saw how they were often marginalised, excluded, and denied access to basic rights and opportunities,” she said.

However, Jim also highlighted the potential, talent, and resilience of individuals with autism, noting that with the right support, resources, and opportunities, they could achieve greatness.

Jim stated that SuDAYI was committed to bridging the gap in autism services and support in Nigeria.

“In the next two years, the NGO plans to implement a comprehensive autism management intervention.

“This intervention will focus on providing inclusive education and support to families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

“Additionally, SuDAYI aims to establish partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to promote autism awareness and acceptance.”

Rep. Bashiru Dawodu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, spoke about ongoing efforts to amend the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act 2018.

He noted that the current law did not adequately address the needs of children and women with disabilities.

“We think those areas are specific areas that need to be addressed, including intellectual disabilities and developmental needs for children with cerebral palsy or neurodegenerative conditions,” Dawodu said.

He also emphasised that discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) was punishable under the law.

Dr Opiti Chukwunekwu, Associate Director at Health System Consult Limited, discussed the prevalence of autism in Nigeria, which was estimated at 2.1 per cent.

He clarified that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was not a disease but a developmental disorder that occurred during a child’s development in the womb.

Chukwunekwu explained that autism was a spectrum, with different manifestations across its five elements.

He emphasised the importance of supporting individuals with autism to develop skills and reach their potential.

“Many prominent people have been shown to have traits of autism and still went on to achieve great things,” he said.

Chukwunekwu also stressed that while there was no cure for autism, effective management focused on empowering individuals with the disorder.

“This includes behavioral interventions, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training, all aimed at improving outcomes for those living with autism.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SuDAYI’s objective is to empower children and youth with autism and other disabilities, enabling them to participate fully in and contribute to their communities.

(NAN)

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