Autistic Children’s Parents Get Relief, Experts Offered Free Training at GTCO’s Annual Event

 

... Autism Diagnosis Can Never Be Overemphasized, Parents Bare It All At GTCO Conference

GTCO, a leading African financial institution with global reach, is hosting the Autism Conference for the 16th consecutive year under its “Orange Ribbon Initiative.” What began as an advocacy and awareness has now evolved into action, with interventions and solutions for a societal issue many organisations and authorities have ignored. The theme for 2026 is “Acceptance in action". 

As the day drew to a close, the crowd sat attentively to listen to experts speak on issues concerning children with autism, how to identify early signs and where to seek help at the 2026 annual GTCOs Autism Conference held on July 27th and 28th. The event was held at Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos. 

The two-day conference provided a huge sense of relief to parents, teachers and caregivers in attendance. Through talk sessions and practical expositions, experts shed light on the hope available for affected children and their families, and on the steps to take to get help. 

Panels of experts drawn from Nigeria and abroad includes ; Dr Eziafakaku Nwokolo, Cinzia Adanna Ebonine, Osezusi Bolodeoku ,Solape Azazi, Remi Olutimayin, and Host of other professional facilitators. Speaking from personal experiences, as mothers of children on the spectrum, said no real solution is possible unless parents and guardians undergo personal training on how to handle their children and identify certified professionals equipped to manage different stages of autism in the lives of their kids. 

Some parents shared how early and later observations took a toll on them, as some of the affected children appear typically normal until certain traits become noticeable.

According to the experts, “Every child with suspected autism Spectrum Disorder needs proper diagnostic assessment before any intervention can be offered. Parents must be wary of quacks who offer seemingly cost-effective options but lack professional and certified qualifications to handle autistic children.”

At the event, helpless parents struggling with behavioural and other challenges were offered free parental training to help them understand symptoms and therapeutic approaches at different stages of a child’s development. Experts added that parents can only get clear direction after being trained by professionals, and can then become voices of advocacy in society.

The annual event has become an eye-opener for many parents who were in denial or who, out of ignorance, did not believe solutions were available for victims of this neurodivergent conditions. 

Experts reiterated that autism is a spectrum and a neurodevelopmental condition, not a physical disability. Schools and authorities must prepare and equip educators with the skills needed to handle autistic children. Teachers were urged to speak up and be a voice both in school and in society.

Neuropsychiatric experts also urged schools to desist from admitting children with special needs if they are not equipped or certified to handle them, noting that such unprofessional conduct wastes the time and resources of both children and parents. Teachers and school administrators should not shy away from telling parents the truth about their children’s needs, regardless of financial considerations.

Professionals advised that autistic children need comprehensive intervention, and parents were urged to seek full guidance from certified professionals before enrolling their children and wards in public or private schools that may not be equipped to provide the speech, behavioural and psychological support the children required. 

The programme continues with one-on-one consultation at Clinic on July 29th-1st August 2026 at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Ikeja Lagos where interested parents are expected to access one-on-one counselling and solutions for different autistic cases, and to become advocacy voices in society.