Autism Care Gaps Exposed as Bank-Led Initiative Pushes Early Diagnosis Reform
Mirian Gom 
LAGOS, Nigeria – A new autism-focused initiative by The Alternative Bank has spotlighted major gaps in early diagnosis and caregiver support, with experts warning that Nigeria lacks a coordinated system for autism care.
The concerns emerged at the bank’s maiden Autism Stakeholders Roundtable, held in collaboration with Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, Sterling One Foundation and Eliakim Foundation.
Specialists at the event on Wednesday said early detection remains limited due to the absence of routine developmental screening at the primary healthcare level, leading to delayed diagnosis and intervention.
Keynote speaker Dotun Akande stressed the urgency of building a national framework that guarantees equitable access to care.
“What Nigeria must now build is a system where intervention happens early, equitably, and at scale,” she said.
Stakeholders also highlighted the heavy burden on caregivers, who often shoulder the financial and emotional costs without institutional support.
Ime Okon said families must be central to any intervention strategy, noting that many encounter “clinical dead-ends” due to weak systems.
In response, the bank unveiled a three-pillar framework focused on inclusive education, workforce training and behavioural change advocacy, alongside plans for a policy brief and pilot programme across selected schools and primary healthcare centres.
Experts said Nigeria’s autism response remains fragmented, warning that progress will depend on stronger collaboration between government, private sector actors and health institutions.
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