By Seun Ibiyemi
The severe shortage of early autism diagnosis in Nigeria has left hundreds of thousands of children without timely intervention, a gap health experts say is worsening developmental outcomes and placing long-term pressure on families and the healthcare system.
In response, The Alternative Bank has launched its 2026 World Autism Month campaign titled “It’s How You Show Up”, in partnership with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), Sterling One Foundation, and the Eliakim Foundation.
The initiative comes amid concerns that Nigeria’s autism diagnosis system remains significantly underdeveloped.
While estimates suggest that over 600,000 children may be on the autism spectrum, most are never formally diagnosed due to limited awareness, infrastructure gaps, and a shortage of specialists.
Research indicates that Nigerian children typically access clinical evaluation at an average age of seven—well beyond the critical early years when intervention is most effective.
This challenge is compounded by a severe workforce shortage, with fewer than 200 psychiatrists serving a population exceeding 200 million people.
The “It’s How You Show Up” campaign is designed to address these gaps through targeted interventions, including advocacy, caregiver training, stakeholder engagement, and funded clinical screenings aimed at improving early detection and access to care.
According to organisers, the screenings will also create structured pathways for medical and educational support once a diagnosis is made, helping families navigate long-term care options.
A key highlight of the initiative will be a stakeholder roundtable and policy dialogue scheduled for April 24 in Lagos.
The session will bring together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and private sector leaders to explore how autism screening can be integrated into Nigeria’s primary healthcare system and how sustainable financing models can be developed for post-diagnosis support.
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Participants are expected to review a national evidence brief and commit to measurable actions aimed at improving autism support services across the country.
“We do not see inclusion as a seasonal task but as a vital part of a healthy society,” said Dr Jekwu Ozoemene, Group Executive at The Alternative Bank.
“Through this initiative, we are not just talking about support, we are delivering it. By tracking the results of these screenings and interventions, we can build a real system that helps the autism community and strengthens the nation,” he added.
The Alternative Bank said the campaign reflects its broader commitment to social impact investment and inclusive finance. It encouraged caregivers, individuals, and organisations to participate in the screening programme and policy dialogue via its official platform.
