L–R: Benedict O. Sama, Licensed Clinical Psychologist; Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communications Officer, GTCO Plc; Babajide Okuntola, Deputy Managing Director, GTBank; Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director, GTBank; Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO Plc; Osezusi Bolodeoku, International Behaviour Analyst and Autism Advocate; and Camille Proctor, Autism Advocate, during the 16th GTCO Autism Conference, held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.
Parents, educators and healthcare professionals have underscored the importance of early diagnosis and sustained support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) hosted the 16th edition of its annual Autism Conference under the Orange Ribbon Initiative.
Held on July 27 and 28 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, the conference adopted the theme, *”Acceptance in Action,”* shifting the conversation beyond awareness to practical interventions that promote inclusion, education and improved access to specialised care for individuals living with autism.
The two-day event brought together parents, teachers, caregivers, clinicians and autism specialists from Nigeria and abroad for interactive sessions, practical demonstrations and expert-led discussions on early diagnosis, intervention strategies and long-term support for families.
Speaking at the conference, GTCO Group Chief Executive Officer, *Segun Agbaje*, said the initiative has evolved significantly over the past 16 years, becoming a vital platform for supporting families navigating the realities of autism.
“Sixteen years ago, we set out to help families navigate a journey that too often felt isolating. Today, this programme stands as proof of what sustained commitment can achieve,” Agbaje said.
He noted that this year’s theme, *”Acceptance in Action,”* calls on governments, institutions and communities to move beyond expressions of goodwill by embedding inclusion into schools, workplaces and public spaces.
“No single institution can build an inclusive society alone. It takes families willing to advocate, educators willing to adapt, employers willing to open doors and policymakers willing to act. Our role is to continue bringing the right expertise and resources together so that every individual on the autism spectrum has a genuine opportunity to participate fully and confidently in everyday life,” he added.
A panel of leading professionals, including *Dr Eziafakaku Nwokolo, Cinzia Adanna Ebonine, Osezusi Bolodeoku, Solape Azazi and Remi Olutimayin*, explored the early warning signs of autism, diagnostic procedures and available intervention pathways, while offering practical guidance to parents seeking professional support.
Several speakers, who are also mothers of children living with autism, shared deeply personal experiences, stressing that parental education remains one of the strongest tools for improving developmental outcomes.
They encouraged parents to become active participants in their children’s care by understanding autism, recognising developmental milestones and working closely with qualified professionals.
Experts at the conference unanimously emphasised that *proper diagnosis remains the foundation of effective intervention*, warning families against unqualified practitioners who promise cheaper alternatives without recognised clinical expertise.
According to the specialists, every child suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorder should undergo a comprehensive diagnostic assessment before therapy begins, noting that inaccurate diagnosis or delayed intervention can significantly affect developmental progress.
The conference also served as an important eye-opener for parents who had previously struggled with denial or lacked awareness of available support services for neurodivergent children. Many participants shared experiences of noticing subtle behavioural changes only after their children reached certain developmental stages.
Free parental training sessions equipped attendees with practical knowledge on recognising autism symptoms, understanding therapeutic options and supporting children through different stages of development.
Organisers noted that informed parents are better positioned to make appropriate care decisions while serving as advocates for greater awareness and acceptance within their communities.
Education professionals and neuropsychiatric experts also called for stronger collaboration between schools and families, stressing that autism is a *neurodevelopmental condition existing on a spectrum rather than a physical disability*.
They urged schools to invest in specialised training for teachers and administrators to ensure autistic learners receive appropriate educational support. Schools offering special needs services were also encouraged to maintain transparency with parents regarding the level of care and expertise available.
Parents were further advised to seek guidance from certified practitioners before enrolling children in specialised schools to ensure access to essential services, including speech therapy, behavioural interventions and psychological support.
The advocacy programme continues from *July 29 to August 1* with free one-on-one consultations at the *Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja*, where parents and caregivers will receive counselling, professional assessments and guidance tailored to individual cases.
Through its Orange Ribbon Initiative, GTCO said it remains committed to deepening autism awareness, reducing stigma and connecting families with credible professional resources, while promoting a more inclusive society where individuals on the autism spectrum can thrive with dignity and equal opportunity.
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