(Nigeria) No known cause of autism, 'no link with vaccination'

April 3, 2026, Vanguard: Autism: Experts demand urgent reforms in health, education, policy - Vanguard News

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health and social development sectors have issued a strong call for urgent reforms to build inclusive systems for people living with autism, declaring that exclusion is no longer acceptable in a country striving for sustainable development.

Speaking at the 2026 Shine Your Light Autism Conference in Abuja, the Director of Family Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. John Ovuoraye, said Nigeria must move beyond awareness to decisive action that guarantees access to healthcare, education, and supportive policies for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Ovuoraye, who was represented by Dr. Silvanus Welle at the event, organised by Ike Foundation for Autism, said:“Autism is not a limitation of potential,it is a different way of experiencing the world. Inclusion is not an option; it is a necessity.”

He revealed that the Federal Government is finalising a national strategy to address the health needs of children with special needs, including autism, signalling a shift toward structured and coordinated intervention.

He stressed that health systems must be strengthened to enable early diagnosis, timely intervention, and continuous support, particularly at the primary healthcare level.

According to him, Nigeria must also expand therapy services and train healthcare providers to respond with both expertise and empathy.

Beyond healthcare, the Director underscored education as a critical pillar of inclusion, lamenting that many children with autism remain locked out of quality learning due to systemic barriers.

“We must build classrooms that accommodate diverse learning needs and train teachers to support neurodiversity, not stigmatise it,” he said.

He further called for stronger policy frameworks backed by adequate funding and legal protections to safeguard the rights and dignity of persons living with autism.

On his part, Founder of the Ike Foundation for Autism, Dr. Nwanze Okidegbe, delivered an emotional appeal, describing children with autism as “lights the world desperately needs to see,” while condemning the widespread stigma, neglect, and misdiagnosis faced by affected families.

“Our children are not burdens, they are blessings,” he declared.

According to him, “Too many remain invisible to the systems meant to support them. That must change.”

He alled for a nationwide shift in perception and policy on autism, declaring that children on the spectrum must no longer be treated as burdens but recognised as valuable members of society with immense potential. . . .

 “There is no single known cause of autism, and no link with vaccination,” she said, urging parents to seek medical evaluation when early signs such as delayed speech, poor eye contact, and repetitive behaviours are observed. . . .

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