Data gaps spotlight rising autism burden in Nigeria — FG

The federal government has said persistent data gaps are hindering a full understanding of the rising burden of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Nigeria, even as available estimates point to increasing cases across the country.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, disclosed this in Abuja during the 2026 World Autism Awareness Day, noting that while global figures suggest about one in every 100 children is on the autism spectrum, Nigeria’s limited data obscures the true scale of the condition.

She said emerging national and regional assessments indicate that thousands of families are already affected, but many cases remain undiagnosed or are identified late due to low awareness, stigma and inadequate access to specialised services.

According to the minister, autism extends beyond individuals and has significant social and economic implications, particularly for women and girls who account for over 70 per cent of unpaid caregiving.

“This places autism within the broader framework of the care economy, where the burden of care, if not properly supported, can reinforce gender inequality, reduce women’s participation in the labour force and limit household economic stability,” she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed the need to prioritise autism within national development planning, adding that the Federal Government is strengthening community-based care systems and support structures for families and caregivers.

She said the ministry is advancing a coordinated response under the Nine-Pillar Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RHSII-774), aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the 2026 declaration as the Year of Families and Social Development.

The minister described investment in the care economy as both a social obligation and an economic imperative, noting that improved support for caregivers would boost productivity and enhance family well-being.

“By supporting caregivers through social protection, access to services, skills development, and respite care, we unlock productivity, improve family well-being, and promote inclusive growth,” she said.

She listed key priorities to include the review and awareness creation of the Revised National Child Policy, expansion of community-based services, and advocacy for increased public investment in the care sector.

Other initiatives include the development of national nutrition guidelines, the establishment of a department of nutrition, and the promotion of nutrient-dense local food blends such as Tom Brown, with plans to establish centres for distribution and nutrition education.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on stakeholders across government, civil society, the private sector and development partners to collaborate in addressing autism through improved awareness, reduced stigma and expanded access to care.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an inclusive society where individuals with autism and their families are supported and valued.

Meanwhile, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zamaar Institute Centre for Children with Special Needs, Khadija Oluronke-Katagum, called for a shift from awareness to acceptance, urging Nigerians to embrace neurodiversity and celebrate differences.

Speaking during an autism awareness walk marking the end of the month-long campaign, she said, “It’s no longer just about awareness; it is about acceptance. What we want in our society is for us all to walk together and celebrate our differences.”

Oluronke-Katagum explained that the walk also marked 20 years of the institute’s work in providing support for children with special needs, stressing the need for greater inclusion of persons on the autism spectrum.

“Each person you see is an individual. Some may be non-verbal, but they have unique talents and abilities that society must recognise and nurture,” she said, highlighting examples of children with exceptional skills despite developmental challenges.

She urged Nigerians to move away from stigma and discrimination, noting that many children with autism possess remarkable intellectual and creative capacities.

“We must provide more opportunities for persons with special needs because they have a lot to offer. Across the world, people with special needs are integrated into society. We must do the same here,” she added.

The centre’s founder also called for stronger government involvement and coordination in autism-related interventions, noting that fragmented efforts have limited impact.

“Government needs to participate more and support more. Once there is proper coordination, we can have a unified voice and achieve better outcomes,” she said, expressing optimism about ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Women Affairs to bring stakeholders together.

She disclosed that the institute is seeking to raise about N250 million to establish a respite centre that would provide temporary care for children with special needs, allowing parents short breaks from caregiving.

According to her, financial constraints, limited infrastructure and societal stigma remain major challenges facing autism care in Nigeria.

“We have reached our capacity with about 25 children, and the only way we survive is through fundraising. Finance is a major issue, but we must keep pushing this conversation to the front burner,” she said.

Oluronke-Katagum further stressed the importance of sustained investment and policy support, noting that with adequate funding and inclusion, persons with autism can become productive members of society.

She urged stakeholders to work collaboratively to build a more inclusive system that recognises and supports neurodiverse individuals across the country.