April 2nd is World Autism Day, a day set aside to create global awareness about Autism and people living with Autism.
Autism is a learning and behavioural disability that affects the way a person communicates and interacts with the world around him. The exact cause is not known for sure; though environmental factors and genetics may play a role. According to statistics from the CDC, 1 in every 68 children has Autism Spectrum Disorder in the US (data for Nigeria is still being collated).
Due to the stigma and discrimination associated with autism in Nigeria; parents of autistic children may want to hide their kids in the house in order to shield/protect them from ridicule from the society.
While this is understandable, it is very counter-productive; a child should not be excluded from the society to which he rightly belongs.
Early intervention (early diagnosis, support and therapy) is key in dealing with autism in children. An enabling and appropriate environment for learning and development will help the child thrive to a very large extent.
Every parent to an autistic child must turn a blind eye to the judgmental society and do what is best for their precious and exceptionally brilliant children. On the other hand, more awareness about this condition is needed in Nigeria.
NGOs/schools that provide Autism support in Nigeria
1. Autism Care and Support Initiative
website: http://www.acsinitiativeng.org/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/www.acsinitiative.org/
Address: Suite 1, 46 Parakou street, Wuse II,Abuja
2. Edirin Sokoh Special Education Centre
Website: http://www.edirinsokohcentre.org
Address: Suite C55 Efab Plaza, Ahmadu Bello Way, Area 11, Garki, Abuja
Contact: Phone: +234 703 680 5924. Email: info@edirinsokohcenter.org
3. The Zamarr Institute
Website: http://www.thezamarrinstitute.org
Address: The Zamarr Institute – LEA Nursery & Primary School, Patrick O. Bokkor Crescent, Off Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja.
Contact: Phone:+234-809-814-3671, +234-809-865-9760, Email: info@thezamarrinstitute.org
4. Start Right Consulting
Website: http://www.kidsstartright.net
Address: 3 Afinni Street, Off Ibezim Obiajulu Street, Off Adelabu Str, Masha Roundabout Surulere Lagos.Phone:+234 8033771935, +234 8023378084. Email:info@kidsstartright.net
5. Ike Foundation For Autism (IFA)
Website: http://ikefoundationforautism.org/
Address: 5 Okemesi Crescent,Garki 2, Abuja.
contact: Phone: +234(0) 814 199 5599, +234(0) 903 119 0904. Email:office@ikefoundationforautism.org
6. OLG Health Foundation and Autism Centre
Website: http://www.olgautismnigeria.org
Address: #5 L.O.V Close, Kado Estate, Abuja
Contact: Phone: +234 (080)34 256471, 08035761188, 08036720499.
7. Children’s Developmental Center
Website:http://www.cdcafrica.org.ng/
Address: 31, Modupe Johnson Crescent, Off Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere, Lagos.
Contact: Phone: +234 802 317 6525, +234 909 552 4021. Email: info@cdcafrica.org.ng
8. Patrick Speech and Languages Centre
Website: http://pslcautism-ng.org/
Address: 13B Remi Fani-Kayode Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Contact: Mobile. +234-803 301 9865 +234-0705 502 8215, E-Mail: info@pslcautism-ng.org, dakande@pslcautism-ng.org, dakande2002@yahoo.com
9. The Learning Place Centre
Website: http://www.tlpcentre.com
Address: TLP Centre, 18 Chris Maduike Drive, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
Contact: Phone: (+234) 1 342 557, (+234) 704 631 4389, Email: info@tlpcentre.com
10. Toks Bakare
 Website: AskToks.com
If you have any useful information on Autism developmental or support resources, please leave a comment below. Someone may find it very beneficial.
