Dr. Oluwatosin Akande, Founder of Bethel Xafe Autism Foundation, calls for inclusive policies, interventions, and cultural acceptance to improve the lives of autistic individuals. Speaking at the Autism Awareness Conference, part of the 2025 World Autism Awareness Day events, Akande stressed the need for better awareness and understanding.
World Autism Awareness Day, celebrated globally on April 2, fosters acceptance of autistic individuals. This year’s conference, themed “Autism and Culture: Awareness and Acceptance,” explored how African beliefs shape autism perceptions, either promoting inclusion or reinforcing stigma.
Akande noted that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often misunderstood and stigmatized in Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated in 2021 that one in 100 children globally has autism, though underreporting and limited diagnostic tools obscure the true prevalence in Africa.
Many cultural misconceptions link autism to supernatural causes, fostering stigma and discouraging families from seeking medical help.
Akande stressed the need for early diagnosis, accessible education, and policy inclusion. Her foundation focuses on four pillars: awareness, advocacy, support, and empowerment.
Guest speaker Mrs. Solape Azazi, an International Behaviour Analyst, urged policy changes for early autism detection. She called for training healthcare workers to identify autism during immunization visits and for inclusive education policies.
Dr. Adeola Ekine, Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, urged journalists to fight stigma through accurate reporting and public education.
A video by South African autistic individual Zekwande Mathenjwa, ‘Escaping from Silence,’ shared his journey. A musical performance by autistic children added inspiration.
