Health
AUTISM prevalence in Calabar stands at 1.3 per cent, according to a 2025 study by Consultant Paediatric Neurologist Dr Torty Chimaeze and a team of researchers, highlighting growing public health concerns locally.
Chimaeze, of the Paediatric Department at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria NAN on Monday in Calabar, drawing attention to regional data findings.
He said April was set aside annually to focus on autism awareness, stressing the importance of early identification, improved understanding, and coordinated responses to developmental disorders affecting children across Nigeria and beyond.
The associate professor at the University of Calabar urged parents and caregivers to closely monitor children’s development and behaviour, noting that early warning signs were often missed, delaying timely diagnosis and intervention services.
“Early identification remains critical to improving outcomes, as it enables timely intervention, access to specialised support services, and better long term developmental prospects for children living with autism spectrum disorder,” he explained.
He debunked widespread myths about autism, emphasising that it was a neurodevelopmental condition, not a spiritual issue or a sign of witchcraft, and called for increased public education to address misconceptions.
Chimaeze urged governments at all levels to implement policies supporting early diagnosis, intervention programmes, inclusive education systems, and comprehensive support structures for families affected by autism and related developmental conditions nationwide.
He also commended ongoing efforts to establish national autism centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones through proposed legislation, describing the initiative as vital for improving access to specialised care services.
The neurologist called on authorities to fast track the initiative, noting that timely implementation would significantly enhance support systems for children with autism and strengthened the country’s healthcare response to developmental disorders.
He lauded the Chief Medical Director of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, for efforts aimed at improving care for autistic children through strategic staffing and institutional support initiatives.
According to him, the hospital’s move to engage experts such as occupational therapists and speech therapists was a step in the right direction to better assist affected children and their families.
NAN reports that World Autism Awareness Day is marked annually on April 2 to promote awareness, inclusion, acceptance, and sustained support for individuals living with autism spectrum disorder across communities, institutions, and societies worldwide. NAN
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APR. 13, 2026
Tags: AUTISM Calabar CHIMAEZE NEUROLOGIST