Shecares Therapy Launches Major Autism Awareness Drive, Aims to Reach 150 Children

It was a gathering of parents who had children with Autism spectrum and also special needs children as Shecares Therapy a non-governmental organisation in a concerted effort to combat the rising prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and address the pervasive stigma surrounding it organised an awareness walk themed “ Autism Is Not A Disease”. The walk took place at Ikorodu and later a talk at the Ikorodu Local Government hall.

The event which was graced by the secretary of Ikorodu Local Government, Mr Yusuf Gbadebo as well as Mr Blessing Adeyanju and Mr Benedict Sama as guest speakers.
During the event Mr Blessing Adeyanju a licensed clinical psychologist and qualified behaviour analyst spoke on the symptoms of Autism and how to identify children with the spectrum as well as the need for early diagnosis. While admitting that the therapy is expensive in this part of the world, there is need for the government to set up therapy centres that can be affordable.

Mr Benedict Sama an experienced consultant clinical psychologist spoke on the mental health of mothers with Autistic children spoke need to organize support for the mothers and parents because they go through a lot taking care of the kids. He also educated those at the gathering that autism is not a demonic possession as opined in some religious quarters as he recalled that some parents have taken their autistic wards to prayer camps for deliverance and healing. He said what is needed is knowledge and how to care for the kids as there is no known cause for the disease.

Sharing his experience as an autistic child, Moshood Mobolaji stated the stigma and rejection he has to cope with while in school because of his condition. In his words” Nobody wants to be my friend” which drew tears from those in attendance. He also talked about the exploitation in school where somebody will pretend to be his friend just to collect money from him. His mother corroborating his story also said his younger sister was ostracized and later sent away from the school she attended because she was autistic. She ended her talk on how Moshood will cope in the university as he just gained admission to Caleb University.

Another Special needs lady, Miss Dediwura had to temporarily differ her admission at Caleb University because of the stigma and financial exploitation she had faced as a special needs child. She said’ a friend of hers whom she trusted was always withdrawing her cash and was called a rat because of her voice. This made her to withdraw from people and had to leave Caleb temporarily. Her mother who is a medical personnel stated that her daughter now is learning a skill in photography. It was all agreed that there needs to be an advocacy programme that will be taken to schools because parents and kids in schools stigmatise those with the neurological disorder.

Mrs Bukola Olufowora stated that education needs to go to religious houses and more qualified teachers because of what her autistic child went through for three years in the church she attended before she spoke out against the maltreatment . She said her child was left alone in a dirty room by his Sunday school teachers.

The convener Mrs Seyifunmi Abiola Anthony in a chat said Shecares Therapy is dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for children with special needs and their families.

Continuing, she said the initiative comes in response to what the organization describes as a high prevalence rate of ASD and its comorbidities, coupled with a significant level of ignorance in local communities. “It has been observed that the prevalence rate of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the comorbidities is high and its ignorance in our environs is equally high,” she stated. “We therefore pulled together a team of specialists to come together and give back to our community by creating awareness to as many as we can reach out to.”

Central to the organization’s mission is clarifying misconceptions about ASD. Medical experts emphasize that Autism Spectrum Disorder is not a disease, but a lifelong neurological and developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts, learns, and behaves.

“It is a matter of the brain’s wiring,” “It is not a spiritual attack.” This distinction is crucial in the fight against stigma. Unlike a disease, which is an abnormal condition that impairs normal physiological functions, ASD is a developmental condition. The organization stresses that while the exact cause is unknown, ongoing research points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Speculative causes being investigated include genetic factors such as inherited and de novo mutations, associated genetic conditions like Fragile X Syndrome, and family history. Environmental and pregnancy-related factors are also being studied, including advanced parental age, pregnancy and birth complications, prenatal medication exposure, and environmental contamination.

To address these issues, Shecares Therapy recommends a multi-pronged approach: early screening and diagnosis by pediatric developmental doctors, engagement with qualified therapists, and a concerted effort to combat stigma through public campaigns and promoting inclusive education.

Shecares Therapy positions itself as a child-centered, family-focused initiative. Its mission is to nurture children with special needs, empower their families with practical support, and break the stigmas around special needs care.

The organization’s immediate goal is ambitious: to provide consultation for at least 150 children and teenagers, making referrals to approved hospitals, diagnostic centers, and therapists as needed. Through this hands-on approach, Shecares Therapy hopes to not only provide direct assistance but also to create a more inclusive and understanding society for individuals with autism.