2026 World Autism Awareness Day: Spotlight On Special Children Living With Autism
By Anthonia Akanji
The birth of a child is usually welcomed with so much joy and excitement .
This joy is however cut shot on discovery that the child has a form of disability or the other
In this case, the focus is on Autism Spectrum Disorder ,simply known as Autism or ASD as the world marks Autism Awareness Day.
The spotlight will be on these special children living with autism.
Autism is a neurological developmental disorder that affects speech, behaviour and social interaction.
Some of these children may find it difficult expressing themselves verbally while others may have advanced conversation skills.It varies from child to child.
While some of them find it difficult socializing with their peers and prefer to be alone, others may go to the extreme by over socializing.
Hence,it could be said that these children are hyperactive,hypoactive,t throw tantrums and sometimes engage in self injurious behavior.
It is noteworthy that autism has no distinguishing physical features or disabilities,it is a neurological problem.
The signs
In an interview with Radio Nigeria,the founder, Jesus Kids Autism Center, Pastor Ololade Adamolekun said autism is usually noticed in some children from the age of three years while others begin from when they are born.
“” when a child cannot smile back at you, does not make monosyllabic sounds,this is why parents should pay attention to the milestones of their children so as to quickly detect any anomaly in them.
Milestones are age specific goals that a child should do per time.At three years if a child is not walking that is a red flag””
Detecting Autism
To determine if a child is autistic, series of tests will be carried out by the doctor or psychologist , attention will be paid to the child’s behavior and development.
Basically, when a child struggles with attention,looses focus, cannot concentrate,repeats questions instead of answering them he or she must be watched.
Comorbidities
Autism Spectrum Disorder sometimes comes hand in hand with other problems such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
– Anxiety disorders
– Epilepsy/seizure disorders
– Sleep disorders
– Gastrointestinal issues
– Sensory processing difficulties
Each individual is unique so their needs vary from one to the other.
Risk Factors
According to Pastor Adamolekun who is also a social worker there was no known cause for Autism,it could be environmental, biological or genetic.
“” The mother might have infection while pregnant , gestational diabetes or hypertension or may be infected in the process of delivery or the child had infection that affected his/her brain .Also having a sibling with autism can be a risk factor’
Studies show that there are several options available for the management of autism
The child needs.the help of a speech therapist to help develop his or her speech.
The help of an operational therapist is needed also to train them on daily life skills to make them independent.
A neurologist and Pediatrician will test other aspects of the child’s growth and development.
What parents should do
Once a child is diagnosed with autism, parents need not panic,they should rater engage the service of experts.
Early intervention is key in the management of autism .Multi disciplinary approach such as the use of behavioral therapist,speech therapist, neurologist and Pediatrician helps the child to gain independence and function well.
Parents should focus more on the strength of the child and not on his/ her weaknesses.
The Social worker stressed the importance of love in managing such children.
“‘ We see a lot of children with autism doing well and it depends on how the family has chosen to accept and nurture the child..””
She advised that such children be registered in special needs centers against putting them in regular schools where their needs may not be met
Parents on their part must empower themselves as first line therapists.
They should.keep pushing for inclusion, therapies that work and spaces where their children can thrive .
The theme for 2026 World Autism Awareness Day is” Autism; and Humanity: Every life has Value”
Report written by Anthonia Akanji
