Experts present practical expositions as parents share experiences At GTCO Autism Conference  

GTCO Plc, has hosted the 16th edition of its Autism Conference under the “Orange Ribbon Initiative” on July 27 and 28, 2026 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos with the theme for its 2026 edition: “Acceptance in Action”.

The two-day conference witnessed that convergence of parents, teachers, caregivers and experts for talk sessions and practical expositions on autism spectrum disorder, (ASD).

Commenting on the 2026 GTCO Autism Programme, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje, said: “Sixteen years ago, we set out to help families navigate a journey that too often felt isolating. Today, this programme stands as proof of what sustained commitment can achieve. This year’s theme, ‘Acceptance in Action,’ challenges all of us to move past good intentions and start making inclusion visible, in the way we design our schools, structure our workplaces, and welcome one another in public spaces.”

The Group Chief Executive Officer added: “No single institution can build an inclusive society alone. It takes families willing to advocate, educators willing to adapt, employers willing to open doors, and policymakers willing to act. Our role is to keep bringing the right expertise and resources to the table, so that every individual on the autism spectrum has a genuine chance to participate fully and confidently in everyday life.”

A panel of professionals from Nigeria and abroad included Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo, Cinzia Adanna Ebonine, Osezusi Bolodeoku, Solape Azazi, Remi Olutimayin, and other facilitators who discussed early signs, diagnostic processes, and where families can access help.

Several speakers, who are also mothers of children on the spectrum, shared personal experiences and emphasized the need for parental training.

In their presentation, they noted that meaningful progress requires parents and guardians to learn how to support their children, and to identify certified professionals equipped to manage different stages of autism.

Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo (Board Certified Behaviour Analyst): Emphasized that true inclusion requires deliberate, daily policy and behavioral adjustments rather than treating special education as an isolated program.

Solape Azazi (International Behaviour Analyst): Highlighted the urgent need to stop stigmatization and correct ill-conceived societal notions about neurodivergent individuals through intensive, practical community engagement.

Dr. Bernadette Kilo: Focused on the vital role that everyday educators, therapists, and community leaders carry in building safe, sensory-friendly environments where children on the spectrum can properly thrive.

Osezusi Bolodeoku (International Behaviour Analyst) & Cornelius Onuoha (MD, RedGecko PR): Addressed structural adjustments in workplaces and public spaces, noting that acceptance means reshaping societal rhythms to welcome neurodivergent individuals rather than forcing them to adapt alone.

Experts at the conference stressed that proper assessment is the first step.

“Every child with suspected autism spectrum disorder needs proper diagnostic assessment before any intervention can be offered. Parents must be wary of quacks who offer seemingly cost-effective options but lack professional and certified qualifications to handle autistic children,” the experts said.

The annual conference has become a platform for parents who were previously in denial or unaware that support and interventions are available for neurodivergent children.

Some parents who spoke with journalists shared how early observations were challenging, stressing that some children may appear typically developing until certain traits become noticeable.

The conference offered support to families through free parental training sessions to help attendees understand symptoms and therapeutic approaches at different stages of a child’s development.

The organisers noted that trained parents can better navigate care options and also serve as advocates in their communities.

There are recommendations for schools and professionals from Neuropsychiatric experts and educators at the event.

They emphasized the role of schools and affirmed that autism is a neurodevelopmental condition and a spectrum, not a physical disability, and called for educators to be equipped with the right skills.

According to the experts, schools and authorities should ensure teachers and administrators are trained to support autistic children and advised schools that are not equipped or certified to handle children with special needs to be transparent with parents, to avoid wasting the time and resources of families.

Professionals also advised parents to seek comprehensive guidance from certified practitioners before enrolling children in schools, to ensure access to speech, behavioural and psychological support where needed.

Parents are expected to access counselling and professional guidance for different cases, and to learn how to become advocacy voices within society with one-on-one consultations at a clinic scheduled for Wednesday July 29 to Saturday August 1 at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.