ABUJA, April 3 (MENA) - Autism awareness has gained huge global attention in recent years. However, in Africa, progress remains hindered by widespread misconceptions, stigma, and limited access to essential services, according to a feature published by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

While efforts are being made to address these challenges, much remains to be done to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it added.

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction, along with restricted and repetitive behaviors.

Many individuals with ASD and their families face immense challenges, including inadequate access to quality education, healthcare, and social support.

In Africa, these difficulties are often exacerbated by deeply ingrained cultural beliefs and a lack of early diagnosis and intervention, the feature said.

In Nigeria, ASD is a major public health concern, with prevalence rates varying across regions, it added.

Research indicates that approximately 1 in 150 to 160 children—equating to around 600,000 individuals—are affected by ASD in the country, it pointed out.

Hospital-based studies have reported prevalence rates of 1 in 43.5 in South-West Nigeria and 1 in 125 in South-Eastern Nigeria, it noted.

Another study documented a prevalence of 2.3 percent among 2,320 new cases at child neurology and psychiatric clinics over a six-year period, it said.

Among children with intellectual disabilities, the prevalence of ASD was found to be 11.4 percent.

Albeit these figures, autism awareness in Nigeria remains limited.

Health experts argue that many individuals with ASD are either misdiagnozed or undiagnozed due to a lack of understanding among healthcare professionals and the general public, according to the feature.

According to the experts, cultural misconceptions contribute greatly to the stigma, with some attributing autism to supernatural causes.

As a result, families often conceal affected individuals, preventing them from accessing appropriate care and support.

Although efforts to improve awareness are ongoing, challenges persist in ensuring accurate diagnosis and intervention.

One advocate leading the charge in changing this narrative is Victoria Jim, founder of the Sustainable Development for Africa Youth Initiative (SuDAYI).

Through her organization, she is championing the rights of individuals with autism, providing support for affected families, and working towards creating a more inclusive society.

Jim’s passion for autism advocacy stems from her personal experiences growing up in Africa, where she witnessed the marginalization and exclusion of individuals with disabilities.

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

Determined to drive change, she founded SuDAYI, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on advocating for inclusive policies and support systems for individuals with autism and other disabilities.

She emphasizes the need for collective efforts to create an environment where no one is left behind.

“Every individual with autism deserves access to quality education, healthcare, and social services that cater to their specific needs,” she asserts.

Through SuDAYI, she is working to bridge the gaps in autism services and ensure that individuals with ASD have the necessary resources to thrive.

Over the next two years, the organization aims to implement a comprehensive autism management program, focusing on inclusive education, family support, and professional training for caregivers and healthcare workers.

To achieve this, SuDAYI is establishing partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to promote autism awareness and encourage acceptance.

This aligns with Jim’s vision of an Africa where autistic individuals are empowered, supported, and given equal opportunities. (MENA)

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