Various schools, including The Learning Place Centre and The Learning Innovation Academy in Lekki, Lagos, are urging the Federal Government to provide assistance to children with autism and their educational institutions nationwide.
Following an autism awareness walk at TLPC, Lekki, held to commemorate ‘Autism Awareness Month’ in April, themed ‘Aligning SDGs with Autism: Empowerment, challenges, and victories,’ Executive Director Mrs. Bolanle Adewole highlighted the lack of support for the charitable efforts benefiting autistic children.
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability caused by brain differences, as per cdc.gov.
Adewole emphasized the necessity for government support in formulating policies and providing training for parents of autistic children.
She expressed, “We focus on children with special needs as a collective effort. Recognizing the significant tasks ahead, we united to advance a singular mission. Our aim is to empower them towards independent living. Despite our charitable initiatives, we lack adequate support. Government involvement is crucial. By establishing guiding policies and defined regulations, we can enhance our practices. Additionally, the government can facilitate parent training for those unable to afford it and offer financial aid to expand our outreach.”
Adewole revealed that the autism awareness walk was a collaborative effort of TLP Centre, TLIA, and other educational institutions, with plans to make it an annual activity to promote acceptance, facilitation, empowerment, employment, and functional independence for autistic children.
“The participation of collaborators symbolizes unity, endorsing cooperation and teamwork to accomplish long-term objectives. To go far, we must go together,” she affirmed.
In her remarks, Adenike Lawal, General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability, noted, “The global community is focusing on promoting awareness and establishing a supportive environment for autism.
Autism does not make a child wicked; it requires schools, caregivers, and parents to adapt to this lifelong condition without comparisons,” she stressed.
Lawal reiterated that Lagos State Government offers free education to individuals with disabilities from primary through tertiary levels.
During the walk, chaired by Mrs. Lai Koiki, the proprietor of Anthos House, Lekki, she underscored the necessity for educators and parents to sustain autism awareness, emphasizing the essential support required by parents and caregivers.
She urged, “It is crucial for practitioners and parents to raise awareness, particularly for those who perceive autism as a wealthy person’s disease. Government intervention is imperative, offering substantial assistance to parents. Financial aid should be provided for certain training programs. Continued awareness and community outreach are imperative. Those unaffected should provide support to those in need.”
Oyinka Afolabi, Director of Brainy Oaks Education Consultant, added, “Educators must educate non-autistic children on the importance of tolerance towards autistic peers and appropriate interaction.
As an autistic teacher, continuous learning is essential. It requires passion and heartfelt dedication,” Afolabi emphasized.
Founder and Director of Patrick Speech and Language Centre, Mrs. Dotun Akande, advised families with autistic children not to isolate them at home.
“Their inability to speak does not imply a lack of intelligence. They possess cognitive abilities and continue to exhibit artistic talents,” Akande highlighted.
Encouraging awareness, Modupe Williams-Odifa, CEO of Manna Children’s Centre, Lagos, stressed the need for federal government support in the special needs sector.
“Parents should cherish and support these children; first and foremost, they are children,” Williams-Odifa remarked.
Several schools, including St. Saviour School, Ikoyi, Lighthouse for Autism, Sultana Nabilah’s Cerebral Palsy Foundation, and Cradle Lounge Special Needs Initiatives, participated in the event, walking from St. Saviour’s School, Ikoyi, to The Learning Place Centre, Lekki, Lagos.