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Autism

GTCO Autism Advocacy Programme: A Decisive Shift towards Community-Driven Action

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The GTCO Autism Advocacy Programme in Lagos marked a significant turning point in autism advocacy in Nigeria, with stakeholders calling for systemic change and greater grassroots engagement. The event saw a diverse group of advocates, including Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Adjunct professor, Endicott College, Massachusetts, USA, Lanre Duyile, Educational Psychologist, Osezusi Bolodeoku, Founder, Cradle on Special Needs Initiative, Solape Azazi, and others. They emphasized the need for a shift from mere awareness to tangible action, highlighting the importance of community-driven initiatives and systemic involvement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The GTCO Autism Advocacy Programme has been a transformative journey since its inception in 2009, with a focus on advocating for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and supporting their families and caregivers.
  • Diagnosis with autism does not mean the same kind of support, and awareness campaigns should move beyond mere awareness to acceptance and accommodation (Lanre Duyile).
  • Systemic involvement through research, policy development, and local partnerships is crucial in addressing the needs of individuals with autism (Lanre Duyile and Osezusi Bolodeoku).
  • Grassroots involvement is essential in extending autism support beyond urban centers, as seen in the collaboration between Cradle on Special Needs Initiative and local councils and health sectors (Solape Azazi).
  • Person-centered approaches and nuanced narratives are necessary to break the 'single story' of autism (Solape Azazi).
  • The use of arts in autism advocacy can be an effective way to express oneself and promote empowerment (Rashard Dobbins).
  • Parents of children with autism face significant challenges, including stigma and limited understanding of their needs (Abdulhamid Abdullahi).
  • More needs to be done to support Individuals with autism, including training for professionals and a shift in belief, in compassion, and in action (Abdulhamid Abdullahi).

Statistics:

  • 2009: The year the Orange Ribbon Initiative began as a commitment to advocate for children with neurodevelopmental disorder (GTCO).
  • 2023: The year the GTCO Autism Advocacy Programme marked a significant turning point in autism advocacy in Nigeria (Lagos event).
  • 1 in 160: The estimated number of Nigerian children with autism (Lanre Duyile).
  • 80%: The number of parents who face stigma and limited understanding of their child's needs (Abdulhamid Abdullahi).

Sources:

  • The statement of Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO.
  • The work of Lanre Duyile, Adjunct professor, Endicott College, Massachusetts, USA.
  • The experiences of Osezusi Bolodeoku, Educational Psychologist.
  • The collaboration between Cradle on Special Needs Initiative and local councils and health sectors (Solape Azazi).
  • The work of Rashard Dobbins, founder of The House of Hip-Hop in Detroit, Michigan.
  • The experiences of Abdulhamid Abdullahi, a parent of two children on the autism spectrum.

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