NGO screens 100 children for autism in Kaduna
The Mimfad Autism Developmental and other Disabilities Support Initiative (MADSSI), an NGO on Thursday screened 100 autistic children to commemorate World Autism Day and raise awareness about early autism detection. Maryam Maifada, CEO of MADSSI, said the screening aimed to detect autism early and collect data on children living with autism across the state, promoting timely interventions and informed planning for affected families.
The exercise is in partnership with the Centre for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Houston and was proudly initiated by Loukia Tsami (BCBA), University of Houston-Clear Lake, USA, strengthening international collaboration for autism awareness programmes.
She explained Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent challenges in social communication and interaction, alongside repetitive behaviours, requiring early recognition to maximise developmental support and interventions.
“Early diagnosis is critical because it allows tailored interventions during children’s prime neuroplasticity stages, usually before age three, improving cognitive, social, and communication skills while reducing future dependency needs significantly,” Maifada said.
Autism Spectrum Disorder, she emphasised, was a global public health concern receiving limited attention in African countries like Nigeria, leaving children with ASD and caregivers facing barriers to necessary services and support.
“Children in Nigeria are often diagnosed later than in developed countries, typically after age three or four, due to delayed hospital presentation, highlighting the urgent need for early autism awareness and screening initiatives.
“Studies show autism is more prevalent in males than females, with ratios ranging from 3:1 to 5:1, reflecting global trends, Maifada said, emphasising the importance of identifying early indicators for timely intervention programmes.
“Common early signs include limited social smiles, poor eye contact, delayed communication, and regression in skills, prompting parents to observe developmental milestones and seek professional evaluation for their children promptly.
“Watch for lack of smiling by six months, minimal eye contact, no babbling or pointing by twelve months, or loss of speech and social skills around 24 months,” she advised parents.
While early diagnosis can be complex, Maifada emphasised its importance in enhancing a child’s independence, life quality, and long-term potential, making awareness campaigns and screenings essential community health initiatives.
She said MADSSI pledged to screen as many children as possible, aiming to raise awareness, support early detection, provide consultations, and create inclusive, safe, and joyful spaces for children living with autism.
She highlighted the need for greater awareness, collaboration, and government-provided infrastructure to support ASD patients and encouraged donations to foster inclusion, ensuring children with disabilities led fulfilling, empowered, and productive lives.
Dr Rabi Abubakar-Mohammed, mother of two autistic children, urged parents to accept autism as a different way of thinking, emphasising early detection ensured children reached their highest potential in spite of challenges.
“Parents should not view autism as a curse but embrace early diagnosis,” she said, noting that proper support and management enabled children to thrive and achieve the best outcomes possible in life.
