By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
Health experts, parents, development partners and government representatives have called for increased awareness, early diagnosis and stronger support systems for children living with neurodevelopmental disabilities in Nigeria.
The call was made during a free community outreach organised by Roseline Emenike Foundation with the support of Cradle Launch Special Needs Initiative, Patrick Speech and Pure Souls Foundation in Obalende Lagos, where families accessed multidisciplinary assessments and support services for children with developmental challenges.
Speaking at the event, Founder of Cradle Launch Special Needs Initiative, Solape Azazi, said the outreach was helping to bridge a major gap in public understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and cerebral palsy.
According to her, misconceptions surrounding developmental disabilities continue to prevent many children from receiving the support they need.
“A lot of times, even when people say they are aware of autism or other neurodevelopmental disabilities, the reality is that their understanding is often far from what these conditions truly entail,” she said.
Azazi noted that the outreach provided free access to specialists including behavioural analysts, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, paediatricians, dietitians and child psychologists.
“These are the professionals children with neurodevelopmental disabilities require to thrive. What makes this initiative remarkable is that families can access these services free of charge,” she added.
She urged parents to focus on the child rather than the diagnosis.
“Before the label is the child. Love that child unconditionally, identify their strengths and support areas where they face challenges. You will be amazed at what they can achieve.”
Also speaking, Grant Manager at Roseline Emenike Foundation (RMKF), Ayomikun Sonuga, said the foundation partnered with Patrick Speech and Pure Souls Foundation after recognising the impact of its work within communities.
“We are very happy to support this programme. It is encouraging to see occupational therapists, speech therapists and other professionals working together to improve outcomes for children with special needs,” she said.
Sonuga acknowledged the challenges faced by caregivers and encouraged them to continue seeking support and professional guidance.
“It is not easy, but there are organisations working to make things easier for families. Caregivers should keep reaching out for support whenever they need it.”
Several parents and caregivers shared personal experiences during the outreach.
One of them, Mrs. Damola, whose seven-year-old daughter was diagnosed with developmental challenges after experiencing speech regression, said therapy had significantly improved her child’s communication skills.
“She can now read and express herself in simple sentences. I want other parents to know they should never give up. With the right support, there is always hope,” she said.
Another caregiver, Mariam Adegoke, who looks after her younger brother with severe developmental challenges, called for more societal support for families caring for children with special needs.
“We should not abandon them. They deserve care, support and opportunities to improve their lives,” she said.
Another parent, Mr. Adekunle Muritala, said caring for his 14-year-old son, who is living with autism, has been challenging, particularly after his retirement from public service in 2020. According to him, limited financial resources have made it difficult to access the support and specialised services his son requires.
Muritala explained that the event was his first opportunity to participate in a programme dedicated to children with special needs. He said his son, who is currently in Primary Six, had been advised by educators to enrol in a special school where he could receive more tailored support.
“We have been doing our best as a family, but the demands are enormous. I came here hoping that we can find the right guidance and perhaps some assistance that will improve my son’s future,” he said.
The 66-year-old retiree also appealed to government authorities and well-meaning individuals to increase support for families raising children with developmental disabilities.
Speaking on discrimination, he noted that community members who know the family often show understanding and acceptance.
“These children are the future of our country. If government and society invest in them today, they can become productive members of society tomorrow. As parents growing older, our greatest concern is what happens to them when we are no longer here,” he added.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District III, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Akintoba Akintayo stressed the importance of health literacy, early diagnosis and community participation.
He explained that brain development begins in the womb and that proper antenatal care, maternal health and early childhood interventions play critical roles in reducing developmental complications.
“The critical window for brain development starts from pregnancy and continues through the first five years of life. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference,” he said.
Dr.Akintayo also warned against hiding children with developmental disabilities due to stigma.
“Special needs often come with special talents. If these children are hidden away, those talents may never be discovered. Parents should bring them forward for assessment and support.”
He further dispelled common misconceptions linking childhood vaccination to autism and other developmental disorders.
“Vaccination does not cause neurodevelopmental disorders. Parents should seek information from qualified health professionals and utilise available healthcare services.”
Participants at the outreach commended the organisers for bringing specialised services closer to underserved communities and called for the programme to be expanded across more parts of Lagos State and Nigeria.
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