Stakeholders, professionals and caregivers have urged a coordinated and sustained effort to change how Autism Spectrum Disorders are understood and addressed across Africa, calling for inclusive policies and stronger institutional support for people living with autism.
They stressed that autism is not caused by supernatural forces, curses or spiritual afflictions, countering deeply rooted cultural beliefs that continue to fuel stigma and discrimination in many communities. Experts explained that autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects communication, behaviour and social interaction, and that early identification and support can significantly improve outcomes.
Health and education advocates referenced global data showing that autism affects about one in every 100 children, with signs often appearing in early childhood but frequently diagnosed much later due to limited awareness and inadequate screening systems. They noted that meaningful care for people with autism must extend beyond the individual to include community-wide and societal actions that promote accessibility, inclusion and sustained support.
International behavioural analyst Solape Azazi said effective policies would make early identification of autism and the creation of inclusive environments more achievable. Speaking at the Autism Awareness Conference organised by the Bethel Xafe Autism Foundation, she said public enlightenment remained critical to dismantling myths and social stigma surrounding the condition.
Azazi called for autism screening to begin at the point of routine childhood immunisation, adding that once healthcare workers detect early signs, authorities should flag cases and begin intervention immediately. She said this approach depends heavily on training healthcare professionals to recognise developmental red flags and respond appropriately.
She also criticised existing education policies, saying many African school systems still fail to accommodate children on the autism spectrum. According to her, inclusion goes beyond physical infrastructure and must include suitable learning materials, flexible teaching methods and support services that reflect the needs of autistic learners.
Special education expert Oluwatosin Akande said autism in Africa remains clouded by misconceptions, cultural stigma and weak support structures, despite advances in understanding and inclusion in other parts of the world. She said many communities still rely on traditional interpretations that delay acceptance and appropriate medical or therapeutic intervention.
Akande cited a 2021 study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, which found that more than 60 per cent of African parents initially seek help from spiritual healers when they notice autism-related symptoms in their children. She said this trend often postpones diagnosis and exposes families to harmful practices.
She argued that accurate information, inclusive policies and sustained awareness campaigns could drive attitudinal change and improve the quality of life for people living with autism. She said cultural myths that frame autism as a generational curse or spiritual punishment encourage isolation, discrimination and dangerous interventions such as exorcisms.
According to Akande, these beliefs prevent families from seeking professional medical care and therapeutic support at the critical early stages. She urged governments, caregivers and civil society groups to actively challenge these narratives and commit to long-term solutions.
She said Africa must move beyond conversations and focus on practical actions that guarantee early diagnosis, access to inclusive education, supportive public policies and social acceptance. She added that true progress would mean creating an environment where autistic children and adults receive support, dignity and empowerment rather than exclusion.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Lagos Chapter, Adeola Ekine, called on journalists to use their platforms to promote awareness and cultural acceptance of autism. She said responsible media engagement could play a major role in shaping public perception and encouraging inclusiveness.
Ekine echoed calls for early identification during routine immunisation visits and emphasised the need to train healthcare workers to recognise signs of autism. She said sustained advocacy, backed by policy reforms and professional training, would help Africa build systems that support autistic individuals and their families.