Autism Spectrum Disorder in Rural Communities and the way forward 

Chiagozielam's birth came as a deep relief to his childless parents of several years who are low-income earners residing in a rural community. As a toddler who grew up from a home just like others where he was deeply loved by his parents and others around, he was often celebrated and all special attention, gifts and accolades were showered on him. But this joy was short-lived because just few months to his third birthday, there were noticeable traces of challenges in playing, babbling with other toddlers, difficulty in communicating, rarely smiles, finds it difficult to respond to his name, finds it difficult in rolling over etc. After so much worries and speculation on what could be wrong, he was taken to a trained physician and psychologist where he was diagnosed of Autism Spectrum Disorder.


The situation in the rural parts of Nigeria is dire because in most cases, the victims are thought to be mentally retarded, schizophrenic, or even the worst case scenarios, bewitched by a relation, demonic or possessed by baalzebub. The awareness level of autism amongst Nigerians in the rural area is low. Medical practitioners are a little bit aware of the signs and symptoms but believe that the disorder is not an issue to worry about in the modern day Nigeria given to the fact that the perceive it as a thing synonymous with the western world. Several toddlers with the disorder in the rural parts of Nigeria either go on undiagnosed or underdiagnosed due to the negligence of the severity of autism and the zero psychiatric evaluation centers found in the rural areas. 


It is to this end that the 2nd of April every year has been set aside to create an overwhelming awareness and reminder on the need for autism to be considered a major threat in destabilizing the sanity of dear Nigerians. Consider the following points below and lend your voice to this cause.


¤  Autism Spectrum Disorder is real and thriving in the rural parts of Nigeria 


¤  Autism Spectrum Disorder is not only synonymous with the children of the wealthy


¤  It is time for the Ministry of Health to create more awareness on autism and likewise place it amongst it's priorities 


¤  Children living with Autism should not be seen as non-entities, worthless or burdens to the society. 


¤  Discrimination against those with Autism is not acceptable 


¤  Parents and doctors should always be aware of the signs and symptoms of ASD 


¤  The need in building psychiatric evaluation centers in the rural areas so as to aid diagnosis and treatment 


¤  Lastly, the need for government-owned special schools for autistic people that will be affordable as compared to private owned ones 


Health for one, health for all. 

Sir Chikwe Udensi
APGA Chieftain and Abia Governorship Front-runner