By Omolola Dede Adeyanju
Autistic students should not be expected to take 14 subjects, complete standardised exams, navigate stressful environments, or attend universities that fail to accommodate their needs.
World Autism Awareness Day 2025 presents an opportunity for educational leaders and examination bodies in Nigeria to reflect on current practices regarding the assessment of children with autism.
“How can we increase access to tests and examinations for children with autism, who are required to take state exit examinations, from the Common Entrance Examinations to the Junior Secondary Certificate Examinations (JSCE) and the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE)? Specifically, how can we ensure equitable examination conditions that provide fair testing for children with autism spectrum disorders?” asked the Director of an Autism Clinic.
In commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day 2025, Newsdirect Newspaper presents a special publication focused on the intersection between neurodiversity and global sustainability efforts. The publication showcases how inclusive policies and practices can drive positive change for autistic individuals in Nigeria and beyond, while contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Submissions from leading autism specialists and professionals in the mental development of autistic individuals—Start Right Consulting, Nurture Child Development Clinic, Patrick Speech and Learning Center, and Nobelova Gradani Psychoeducational Center—have been reviewed to evaluate how inclusive policies can bring about positive change for autistic individuals in Nigeria and globally, aiding in the achievement of the SDGs.
“Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that affects an individual’s communication within social contexts, their interactions, and their behaviour. For instance, a child with autism might experience speech delays, difficulties with eye contact and social interaction, and struggle to process sensory information, such as sounds and light, which can overwhelm them,” explains Mabel Okereafor, Clinical Director at Nurture Child Development Clinic.
Ngozi Okoli-Owube, Autism Specialist and Educational Psychologist at Start Right Center, highlights that this year’s theme is particularly significant as it aims to educate people in a new way about autism.
“Autism is not a death sentence. With over 20 years of experience, I have seen many individuals on the spectrum achieve remarkable success because they were accepted, loved, and provided with the appropriate support,” Okoli-Owube asserts.
She stresses that autism should not be viewed as a disorder or defect but rather as a neurological difference that is a valuable part of human diversity. “This year’s theme encourages us to shift our perspective—seeing autism as a natural variation in human brains. Understanding and acceptance of these differences enable us to better meet each person’s unique needs.”
This year’s World Autism Awareness Day aligns with several UN SDGs, such as SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace and Justice), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). These goals focus on mental health, inclusive education, support for individuals with learning differences, and collaboration among various stakeholders.
How Inclusive Policies and Global Sustainability Efforts Can Drive Positive Change for Autistic Individuals
1. Social Acceptance: Policies promoting awareness and acceptance of neurodivergence help position autism as a neurological difference rather than something to be “cured.”
2. Fostering Inclusive Environments in Policy-making: Autistic students should not be expected to take 14 subjects or complete standardised exams (WAEC, Common Entrance Exams, etc.) in the same way neurotypical students do. They should not have to navigate stressful environments, such as immigration offices, or attend universities that do not accommodate their needs.
3. Promoting Self-Advocacy and Empowerment: Neurodivergent individuals must be empowered to advocate for their own needs and rights in collaboration with stakeholders, governments, and businesses.
4. Encouraging Creativity in Technology, Education, and Environment: Supporting neurotypical individuals and organisations to find innovative solutions that promote inclusivity.
5. Enhancing Education Through SDG 4: Focusing on individual strengths and learning styles to better serve students on the autism spectrum.
6. Expanding Employment Opportunities: Creating inclusive pathways for individuals with varying cognitive strengths to succeed in the workforce.
Progress in Nigeria and Beyond
Autism awareness in Nigeria has improved significantly over the past 5-10 years, but more work is needed. While neurodiverse individuals are now admitted to mainstream schools, curriculum adjustments must fully embrace neurodiversity by modifying subject requirements, exams, and assessment methods.
The Nigerian government must integrate neurodiversity into policymaking across all sectors to reduce inequality and foster peace and justice. Early diagnosis, acceptance, and support are crucial from the age of two onwards to ensure individuals receive the necessary help throughout their lives. Only by providing opportunities for autistic individuals to thrive in their unique ways can we truly discover their strengths and potential.
Globally, some countries have made strides in benefiting from neurodiversity, as their policymakers and stakeholders—including governments and businesses—recognise its advantages. The Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) is actively championing this cause in several nations.
Advice to Parents
If you have a child with autism or learning differences, embrace, accept, and support them in every way they need. Don’t rush them—pressuring a child too much can create anxiety, withdrawal, and depression for both the child and the parent. Neurodiversity is about acceptance, inclusion, and support.
Advancing Neurodiversity and SDGs on World Autism Awareness Day
Mabel Okereafor, Clinical Director at Nurture Child Development Clinic, discusses how we can embrace the spectrum: “Advancing neurodiversity and the SDGs on World Autism Awareness Day 2025 serves as not just a day of recognition but a powerful call to action.”
She explains the importance of understanding the prevalence of autism for effective policymaking. Although data in Nigeria remains scarce, earlier findings show a 2.3% prevalence of autism in children. The World Health Organization (2023) states that globally, autism affects 1 in 100 children. These figures underscore the need for sustainable policies that advance opportunities for individuals with autism in Nigeria and worldwide.
Investment in Early Intervention
Early identification, referrals, and access to timely support services, including therapies and educational resources, are essential to improving developmental outcomes and quality of life. Equipping community health centres and early childhood centres with the necessary resources and training to identify autism spectrum disorders is crucial.
Inclusive Education and Employment
Inclusive education is vital to advancing neurodiversity and achieving SDG 4. Every child, regardless of neurotype, deserves access to quality education that meets their unique needs. This requires developing inclusive policies, adapting curricula, and providing personalised support for students with autism.
Mabel Okereafor advocates for strategic partnerships and corporate social responsibility initiatives to support training for teachers and schools across Nigeria. These partnerships align with SDG 17 and significantly enhance the lives of autistic children and their families.
Creating Inclusive Workplaces
Employers in Nigeria must adopt inclusive practices to unlock the potential of autistic professionals. These practices include flexible work arrangements, clear communication, skills-based hiring, and providing support and mentorship to ensure successful career development.
By embracing neurodiversity in the workplace, Nigeria can create opportunities for autistic individuals, enriching organisations with diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. This contributes to the achievement of SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Helen Obiageli Oshikoya’s Call for Action
Helen Obiageli Oshikoya, Specialist in Nobelova Graðani and Ambassador for World Behaviour Analysis Day, urges that neurodivergence and sustainability intersect through inclusive policies that promote equal opportunities for all. She emphasises the importance of ensuring access to quality healthcare and education for neurodivergent individuals as key to achieving SDG 3 and SDG 4.
Conclusion
This World Autism Awareness Day 2025, let us work together to create a society where neurodiversity is celebrated, not avoided, and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a sustainable and equitable future for Nigeria and the world.