Autistic Nigerians still shut out of schools, jobs — Experts

The conference, which continues today, is expected to feature local and international experts discussing practical interventions, inclusive education, caregiver support and strategies for improving the quality of life of persons living with autism across Nigeria.… Seek stronger govt policies as families battle stigma, isolation, caregiver burnout By Chioma Obinna Sixteen years after sustained autism advocacy began in Nigeria, experts on Monday lamented that thousands of children and adults living with autism remain excluded from schools, workplaces and community life, blaming weak government policies, poor public support systems and persistent stigma.

The concerns were raised at the opening of the 16th Annual GTCO Autism Conference in Lagos, where healthcare professionals, educators, parents, caregivers, policymakers and autism advocates called for urgent reforms to make schools, workplaces and public institutions more inclusive for persons living with autism and other neurodiverse conditions.