A Nigerian autism expert and neurodiversity advocate, Boluwatife Ayanwole, has urged African societies and governments to fundamentally change how they understand and respond to autism, calling for a shift away from stigma, myths and narrow medical labels toward inclusion, functional support and empowerment.
Ayanwole made the call while speaking at a two-day International Neurodiversity Conference 2026 webinar that began on Thursday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He challenged prevailing attitudes that reduce autism to a list of symptoms and instead emphasised a more holistic understanding that recognises neurological, psychological and environmental influences.
He argued that governments across Nigeria and the wider African continent must take responsibility for supporting neurodiverse individuals by establishing public autism centres that provide affordable diagnosis, therapy, skills development and creative empowerment, particularly for families with limited financial resources. He said such centres would help bridge the wide gap in access to services and reduce the heavy burden currently placed on families.
Ayanwole criticised what he described as the growing commercialisation of autism care by some service providers, warning that profit-driven practices often sideline the real needs of autistic individuals. He stressed that functionality, independence and dignity should remain the central focus of autism support, rather than financial gain.
He explained that autism affects social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and behaviour patterns, with signs often appearing as early as two years of age. These signs may include delayed language development, social communication difficulties, repetitive behaviours, limited eye contact, toe walking and, in some cases, self-injurious behaviour. He cautioned, however, against allowing these characteristics to define or limit a child’s potential.
Ayanwole also placed strong responsibility on families, urging parents to become active advocates for their children in the face of weak systems and persistent stigma. He said families must serve as the first and most consistent support system, ensuring that societal neglect or policy failures do not silence or marginalise neurodiverse children.
He called on society to view people on the autism spectrum through the lens of empathy, acceptance and functionality, rather than fear or pity. According to him, true understanding of autism requires recognising strengths alongside challenges and investing in functional skills that promote independence and meaningful participation in society.
Ayanwole maintained that prioritising humanity over diagnosis remains essential to building inclusive communities, adding that empathy, not sympathy, should guide policies and everyday interactions with neurodiverse individuals.