Health
THE Bethel Xafe Autism Foundation has urged parents to accept responsibility and embrace autism as part of everyday life.
The foundation said acceptance remains the first step toward building inclusive families, schools and communities that support children on the autism spectrum.
Dr Oluwatosin Akande, founder of the foundation, made the call on Thursday in Lagos at the Autism Acceptance Conference.
The conference was the theme ‘When Inclusion Becomes a Lifestyle, Not Just a Policy’, drawing stakeholders, parents, educators and advocates.
Akande said inclusion must be lived daily, urging parents to encourage and mentor children rather than view autism as a disability.
She said many parents still struggle with acceptance, often misunderstanding autism due to societal stigma and lack of awareness.
She said, “It is not a disability but a lifestyle. When parents accept it, they will love it wholeheartedly.”
Akande urged parents to show love, engage children in daily activities and recognise their uniqueness.
According to her, every child has strengths that can be nurtured with patience, consistency and proper guidance from caregivers.
Dr Adeola Ekine, Special Adviser to the Nigeria Union of Journalists President, said autism exists within homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
Ekine said many individuals on the spectrum remain misunderstood and excluded because society has not fully embraced inclusion.
She noted that barriers to inclusion often stem from ignorance, fear and lack of deliberate policies that promote equal opportunities.
She said, “Inclusion must move beyond policy and become something we practise daily in education, communication and storytelling.”
Ekine added that the media must consistently promote awareness, acceptance and inclusion.
She urged journalists to tell more human-centred stories that reflect the realities and potential of people living with autism.
Dera Osadebe, a 10-year-old actress, said inclusion should be practised daily by everyone.
She said young people have a role to play in showing kindness, patience and understanding towards peers with autism.
She said, “We should give time to people with autism and practise inclusion in our everyday interactions.”
Osadebe noted that inclusion begins with simple acts and should start from childhood.
She encouraged children to be friendly, supportive and willing to learn about differences among their peers.
Her mother, Mrs Nnebisi Osadebe, called for support, urging society to reject stigma and create safe, inclusive environments for children.
She said parents and communities must work together to ensure children feel valued, protected and empowered to thrive.
She said, “Show love, not hate. Include them in all activities and support their growth.”
She advised parents to identify children’s strengths and guide them into areas such as sports, mathematics and the arts.
Mrs Solape Azazi, an international behaviour analyst, described inclusion as an actionable lifestyle.
Azazi said inclusion required intentional actions from educators, policymakers and families to create enabling environments for children.
She said teachers should design lesson plans that include autistic children, giving them dignity and recognition.
Mr Remi Olutimayin, a voice actor and autism advocate, called for a better understanding of autism.
He said awareness must go beyond diagnosis to include empathy, support systems and opportunities for self-expression.
He said, “People must be courageous to share their stories and seek proper understanding of autism.”
Olutimayin urged greater investment in children and encouraged them to tell their own stories.
He also called for proactive engagement, shared experiences and sustained advocacy to improve outcomes for children on the spectrum. (NAN)
A.I
April 2, 2026
Tags: Bethel Xafe Autism Foundation Dr Oluwatosin Akande Mrs Nnebisi Osadebe