Christianity was introduced to Africa several ages ago. It brought about immense development and a somewhat
conscious reawakening which actually questioned our beliefs as Africans in deities. It is a known fact that we believed
(some still do) in our gods (deities) who served(s) as mediators between human beings and the supreme being. In
Yoruba land, Olodumare is being referred to as the supreme being. But he can not act alone, so he has several deities
who automatically carry out their specific duties to mankind. These deities include: Obatala, Orunmila, Osun, Sango,
Ogun, Esu, Oya, Yemoja etc. The white men (missionaries) came with a perfectly packaged religion which signified
hope and a somewhat salvation to the one and only true God. The African Traditional Religion was treated as something
unclean which should be done away with quickly, and also for every African to embrace the one true religion which is
Christianity.

Of course, with the emergence of this religion; some bizarre traditions being practiced in Africa as at then gradually
reduced. Indeed, the advantages far outweighs the disadvantages. So it is safe to say, that the introduction of
Christianity is one of the best things that has ever happened to any race. Although, not too many people know that it
was also used as a tool of exploitation, but that is a topic for another day. As Christians, we are taught that with faith,
nothing is impossible. In fact, there is a particular portion in the bible(Matthew 17:20) which states that".............. truly
I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it
will move........." But it is very surprising that this portion has been abused for so long because of how it has been
interpreted.

Dear Africans, God is not a magician please. Stop mocking God at the expense of praying to him.
Sometime last year, I came across an autistic child. He had the perfect growth of a normal child of seven years old. But
there was something definitely unusual about him. He was restless, throwing tantrums, uncommunicative, avoided eye
contact and super repetitive. It didn't take me so long to figure out that he was actually autistic. But what struck me
the most was the revelation I heard from the child's mother. She was discussing with her friend concerning her child's
condition and how she would do anything to make him whole again. I could hear the desperation in her voice, and in
that moment my heart went out to her;because having an autistic child is not an easy job at all.

According to her, he wasn't born that way, but he began to be more self absorbed when he clocked four. She told her
friend that it wasn't ordinary,and she knows deep down that it has a spiritual undertone, and she strongly suspects her
step-mother. She asked her friend for a powerful man of God who could heal her son completely, because she had
spent so much money seeking help from so many self acclaimed "Men Of God". Her friend promptly suggested her
pastor who was very powerful and could make it all go away. At this juncture, I got furious.

'What exactly has the pastor got to do with this? Has she even tried to get a speech therapist for her son to make him
more communicative instead of getting swindled by different pastors? Doesn't she know that ASD has no known cure but
can be managed with the right therapist? These were the questions I asked myself. I decided to butt into their
conversation and damn the consequences(I had my headphone plugged in the whole time, which gave them the
impression that I wasn't listening to their conversation) But they left that same moment I was ready to bare my heart to
them. They had finished their transaction and had to leave.

It is very shocking to know that, almost everything is always attributed to the spiritual realm in African. We so much
hold on to archaic superstitions that nothing can ever happen to us without attributing it to the spiritual realm. Don't get
me wrong, I know for a fact that God is the supreme being, and I strongly believe in him. But I think there are
somethings we should be able to figure out for ourselves instead of expecting God to perform a miracle. This is the
same reason I always keep mute in church whenever we are asked to pray for our country. I mean, God didn't put us in
this mess right? Our bad leaders did. So why exactly are we disturbing that sweet man up there?

What Exactly Is Autism?

Autism is a complex neurobehavioral condition that includes impairments in social interaction and developmental
language and communication skills combined with rigid, repetitive behaviors.
Because of the range of symptoms, this condition is now called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It covers a large
spectrum of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment. ASD ranges in severity from a handicap that somewhat limits
an otherwise normal life to a devastating disability that may require institutional care.Children with autism have trouble
communicating. They have trouble understanding what other people think and feel. This makes it very hard for them to
express themselves either with words or through gestures, facial expressions,and touch.A child with ASD who is very
sensitive may be greatly troubled -- sometimes even pained -- by sounds, touches, smells or sights that seem normal to
others.(WEBMD)

Autism could either be manifested if it runs in the family,if a pregnant woman takes a drug which is not safe for the
baby during pregnancy, or when a baby is being injected with an overdose of the recommended vaccine immunization
(though this has not been proven). Scientists have not been able to ascertain the real cause of autism. It can be a very
trying and tiring period when a child is being diagnosed of ASD, because there is no known cure for it. However, it can
be managed. It is pertinent to understand the fact that these lovely children are special need kids who need utmost
attention and care.

They didn't create themselves that way. In fact, most of them are usually perfect in their first few
years on earth before regressing. So, no form of aggression or frustration should be channelled towards them. Though, it
is not always easy, because it can get really disturbing when they are always unresponsive. But, that is their nature.
The one and only reliable alternative to manage this condition is to contract the help of a therapist who specialises in
this area. They need all the love and support they can get to communicate better. They have to be treated with
patience and deep understanding. They can't adapt well in regular schools, so; it is always advisable to enrol them in a
school that caters for special need children. Faith and work operates hand in hand, it is okay to pray for them, but it
should also be backed up with the steps listed above. Unlocked by Karen Kingsburry is a must read for every parent
with an autistic child. Autistic kids are not useless, they are actually very talented; but need the right and trusted hands
to explore this talent in them.

Below are the list of some centres that cater for special need kids:

1. The Zamarr Institute

LEA Nursery & Primary School, Patrick O. Bokkor Crescent, Off Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi,Abuja
Email: zamarrinstitute@gmail.com/info@thezamarrinstitute.org

2. Centre for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD Nigeria)
1 Chika Omo Street, Off Nnebisi Road, Asaba, Delta State

3. Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home
1, St.Finbarr College Road, Akoka
Telephone number (08074571573)

4. Benola
Suite 19/20 praise plaza, Ajah/Ado road, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.
Telephone number (+234-012954355)

5. C.A.D.E.T. Academy
Block LG, 13, Uruguay street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria.
6 Patrick Speech And Languages Centre

131, Fan Kayode street, GRAHAM, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
Telephone number (07055028215,08033019865)

7. Centre For Children With Special Needs
4, Lake Chad Crescent, Off IBB Way, Maitama District, Abuja FCT Nigeria.
Telephone number (09020454575,08069738449)

Do you know of any autistic child around you? How do you treat them? Do you look down on them, writing them off with
the mentality that nothing good can ever come out of them? Do you really believe that Autism Spectrum Disorder have a
spiritual undertone? Share your thoughts with me in the comment section.

www.simplybami..com

Cc; Lalasticlala

They are socially impaired.. and see life different


A lot are extremely smart in good jobs doing big things but it all depends where the child is on the spectrum ... there is slight cases and very severe ..


Has nothing to do with religion ... ! Saw a video where they took the child for deliverance .. it was horrible to watch ... we really do need agencies to clamp down on this barbaric behaviour n mindset that everything is spiritual .. Argh

Lalas247:


They are socially impaired.. and see life different


A lot are extremely smart in good jobs doing big things but it all depends where the child is on the spectrum ... there is slight cases and very severe ..


Has nothing to do with religion ... ! Saw a video where they took the child for deliverance .. it was horrible to watch ... we really do need agencies to clamp down on this barbaric behaviour n mindset that everything is spiritual .. Argh

Yup! They are different NOT less...

e. g shaybebaby is different to Lalas247 because she has less bumbum but we are both women with individual quirks and personalities.

shaybebaby:

Yup! They are different NOT less...

e. g shaybebaby is different to Lalas247 because she has less bumbum but we are both women with individual quirks and personalities.

exactly hun
Nigerians should learn how to tolerate different personalities .. not every thing is spiritual ..

Centres listed above isn't complete without Down Syndrome Foundation.

OPAL FIELD EDUCATIONAL CENTRE
(A centre for Autism and other related disorders)

Do you have a child with autism or other related disorders like Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dysgraphia etc.

We offer a holistic educational therapy to help your child develop in the following areas:

1. Comprehension skills
2. Behavioural skills
3. Balancing skills
4. Social Interaction skills
5. Fine and gross motor skills
6. Concentration skills
7. Oral/speech skills
8. Self help skills
9. Subjects; English, Mathematics and other subjects as appropriate.

Opal Field Educational Centre is located at C17, OGD Estate, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Kindly contact us: 09020829810, 07036321863, 07037153550 (call or whatsapp)
Email: opalfieldschool@gmail.com