Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), has urged parents and guardians of individuals with autism to endeavour to take part in its 14th Autism Program billed to take place between July 15 and July 16 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos,
This is as reiterated its commitment to intensify efforts to canvass inclusion for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) beyond the shores of Nigeria.
The GTCO Autism Program, a key initiative of the Orange Ribbon Initiative, has become a cornerstone for autism advocacy and support in Africa. Over the years, it has made a significant impact, offering support and empowerment to thousands with neurodevelopmental disorders.
The conference, organised in partnership with specialists and organisations from Nigeria and beyond, will include lectures, panel discussions, and performances highlighting the diverse talents within the autism community.
Charles Eremi, the bank’s Group Corporate Communication, who spoke on Thursday at the company's headquarters in Lagos at a press conference to herald the 2024 edition of the annual autism conference themed, 'A Spectrum of Possibilities,' remarked that this year’s theme mirrors the bank’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
He noted that it was aimed at instilling and creating the mindset that stirs the passion for individuals to thrive and reach their full potential regardless of their background, while adding that this edition would offer the opportunity for free consultation and access to professionals from the medical sectors.
Eremi also said the advocacy programme would be held in another West African country- Ghana, from July 23 to 27.
“Each year, we like to bring people here to talk more about this condition. We have grown it from awareness to advocacy and now we are at a point where we are building around autism and those in the spectrum," he added.
Speaking during the press briefing, a behavioral analyst, Osezusi Bolodeoku decried the lack of awareness, acceptance and accommodation of people with autism, saying it has fostered misconception about individuals with ASD.
Bolodeoku, a mother of an 11-year-old child, stated that early intervention helped her nurture and bring out the best from the child, urging parents with individuals with ASD to allow them to express themselves.
In their various remarks, health experts affirmed that autism is not a disease, but a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by deficits in reciprocal social communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior.
Benedict Sama, a clinical psychologist, while encouraging parents and other stakeholders to attend the conference, noted that information, strategies and awareness about how to manage autism were important to parents, professionals, teachers and caregivers
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