By Theresa Moses
For years, conversations about autism in Nigeria have largely focused on one goal: creating awareness. Families, advocates and professionals have worked tirelessly to educate the public about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dispel harmful myths and encourage early diagnosis and intervention.
But awareness, important as it is, is only the beginning.
The greater challenge is ensuring that children and adults on the autism spectrum are genuinely accepted, supported and included in every aspect of society: from their homes and classrooms to workplaces and public spaces.
That message resonated powerfully throughout Day One of the 16th Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Autism Conference, held in Lagos on Monday, July 27, 2026, under the theme “Acceptance in Action: From Family to Classroom to Workplace to Public Spaces.”
For sixteen years, GTCO, through its Orange Ribbon Initiative, has remained at the forefront of autism advocacy in Africa. What began as a corporate social responsibility initiative has grown into one of the continent’s most respected platforms for promoting autism awareness, education, inclusion and family support.
This year’s conference once again brought together internationally renowned clinicians, speech therapists, behaviour analysts, educators, caregivers, parents, advocates and policymakers to exchange knowledge, practical strategies and lived experiences aimed at improving the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Acceptance Must Be Lived, Not Spoken
In his welcome address, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, reminded participants that true inclusion is measured not by words but by deliberate actions.
According to him, acceptance begins within the family, where understanding first takes root. It must continue in schools, where children’s unique abilities are nurtured rather than overlooked; extend into workplaces, where neurodiverse talents are recognised and developed; and become evident in public spaces where individuals living with autism can participate confidently and without discrimination.
He noted that while significant progress has been made over the past sixteen years, barriers still exist, making it necessary for society to move beyond raising awareness to intentionally creating environments where people on the autism spectrum can thrive.
For GTCO, he said, the Orange Ribbon Initiative represents more than an annual conference. It reflects the institution’s commitment to building stronger communities by investing in people and championing causes that create lasting social impact.
A Story That Spoke Without Words
One of the day’s most memorable moments came through a moving dramatic performance centred on the fictional story of Amara, a brilliant young girl on the autism spectrum.
The production challenged deeply rooted assumptions about intelligence and communication, reminding the audience that the inability to communicate verbally should never be mistaken for an inability to think, learn, dream or contribute meaningfully to society.
Through music, drama and storytelling, the performance illustrated the importance of looking beyond limitations to discover the remarkable abilities that often lie beneath the surface.
It was an emotional reminder that inclusion begins when society chooses to see potential before disability.
Every Child Deserves a Voice
Communication emerged as one of the conference’s central themes.
Speech Pathologist Tomi Agboola-Odeleye delivered an engaging presentation titled “AAC & Non-Verbal Children: The Case for Early Communication Tools for Non-Verbal Children on the Spectrum.”
She explained that communication is far broader than spoken language. Through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools: including picture boards, communication devices, visual schedules and assistive technologies; children who are non-verbal can express emotions, make choices, build relationships and actively participate in learning.
She challenged the widespread misconception that delayed speech equates to delayed intelligence, encouraging parents to embrace early intervention and communication support rather than waiting for speech to develop naturally.
Her presentation offered renewed hope to many families, reinforcing the message that every child deserves a voice, even if that voice is expressed differently.
Behaviour Is Communication
Board Certified Behaviour Analyst Lanre Duyile delivered another insightful session titled “Behaviour Speaks: Listen, Understand It, Take Action—Using Simple Functional Assessment in Homes and Classrooms.”
His presentation encouraged parents, teachers and caregivers to look beyond challenging behaviours and instead ask what the child is trying to communicate.
Rather than interpreting behaviours as disobedience or stubbornness, he explained that behaviours often serve as a form of communication, signalling unmet needs, discomfort, frustration or environmental triggers.
Using practical examples, he demonstrated how simple functional behaviour assessments can help families and educators identify the causes of behaviours and respond more effectively.
His message represented a significant shift; from punishment to understanding, and from reaction to informed intervention.
Supporting Those Who Support Children
While much attention often centres on children living with autism, the conference also acknowledged the emotional and psychological realities faced by parents and caregivers.
International Behaviour Analyst, autism advocate and parent, Solape Azazi delivered a practical session on “Practical Caregiver Strategies for Communication, Regulation and Daily Routine.”
Drawing from both professional knowledge and personal experience, she shared practical approaches to creating structured home routines, improving communication, managing emotional regulation and fostering independence.
She also encouraged parents to intentionally involve siblings in supporting children on the spectrum, helping families build stronger relationships while reducing isolation.
Her presentation reminded participants that empowering caregivers ultimately improves outcomes for children.
Preparing for Adulthood and Employment
As more children on the autism spectrum transition into adulthood, conversations are increasingly shifting towards long-term independence and employment opportunities.
Board Certified & Qualified Behaviour Analyst, Eziafakaku Nwokolo explored this critical issue during her presentation on “Transitioning and Creating Employment Pathways for Adults on the Spectrum.”
She challenged employers, educators and policymakers to rethink traditional recruitment and workplace practices, arguing that many autistic adults possess exceptional strengths in analytical thinking, creativity, accuracy, innovation and problem-solving.
The real challenge, she noted, is not a lack of ability but the absence of inclusive systems that recognise different ways of learning, communicating and working.
Her presentation reinforced the need for society to prepare individuals on the spectrum not only for school but also for meaningful careers and independent living.
The Humanity of Caregiving
The emotional highlight of Day One came during a panel discussion titled “Autism and Family System – Parents and Caregivers: The Carer Experience and What Practical Support Looks Like.”
The panel featured Parent and austim advocate, Camille Proctor, International Behaviour Analyst, Austim Advocate & Parent, Osezusi Bolodeoku and SEN & Parent, Cinzzia Adanna Ebonine, all of whom shared deeply personal experiences of raising children on the autism spectrum.
Their stories reflected resilience, hope, exhaustion, faith and determination, while highlighting the often invisible emotional burden carried by parents and caregivers.
The discussion emphasised the importance of mental health support, community acceptance and practical assistance for families navigating autism.
More importantly, it reminded participants that autism does not affect individuals alone: it impacts entire families, making compassion and community support essential components of inclusion.
Beyond Awareness
Throughout the day’s discussions, one message remained constant: autism is not a condition to be feared or hidden.
With early intervention, appropriate support, inclusive education and equal opportunities, individuals on the autism spectrum can learn, work, innovate and contribute meaningfully to society.
The responsibility for making that possible belongs not only to parents but also to educators, employers, policymakers, healthcare professionals and every member of society.
That is what Acceptance in Action truly means.
Why This Conference Matters
For sixteen consecutive years, GTCO’s Autism Conference has remained one of Africa’s most impactful private-sector initiatives dedicated to autism advocacy and inclusion.
Each edition has expanded the conversation; from awareness to acceptance, and now from acceptance to action.
Beyond sharing knowledge, the conference continues to equip families with practical tools, connect them with internationally respected specialists and strengthen a growing community committed to improving outcomes for people on the autism spectrum.
As Nigeria continues its journey towards a more inclusive society, initiatives such as the GTCO Autism Conference demonstrate how corporate institutions can move beyond conventional philanthropy to become catalysts for lasting social change.
The conversations may have ended for Day One, but the responsibility continues long after participants return home.
Acceptance is not a slogan.
It is a choice we make every day; in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
Only when acceptance becomes action can society truly unlock the potential of every individual, regardless of how they communicate, learn or experience the world.
For thousands of families living with autism, that future cannot come soon enough.
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