Autism Diagnosis Can Never Be Overemphasized, Parents Share Experiences At GTCO Conference

<em>L–R: Benedict O. Sama, Licensed Clinical Psychologist; Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communications Officer, GTCO Plc; Babajide Okuntola, Deputy Managing Director, GTBank; Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director, GTBank; Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO Plc; Osezusi Bolodeoku, International Behaviour Analyst and Autism Advocate; and Camille Proctor, Autism Advocate, during the 16th GTCO Autism Conference, held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos</em>

GTCO Plc, a leading African financial institution with global reach, has hosted the 16th edition of its Autism Conference under the “Orange Ribbon Initiative” on July 27 and 28, 2026 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. 

With the theme for its 2026 edition: “Acceptance in Action”, what began as an advocacy and awareness programme has expanded into practical interventions and support services.

The two-day conference brought together parents, teachers, caregivers and experts for talk sessions and practical expositions on autism spectrum disorder, ASD.

Commenting on the 2026 GTCO Autism Programme, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje, said: “Sixteen years ago, we set out to help families navigate a journey that too often felt isolating. Today, this programme stands as proof of what sustained commitment can achieve. This year’s theme, ‘Acceptance in Action,’ challenges all of us to move past good intentions and start making inclusion visible, in the way we design our schools, structure our workplaces, and welcome one another in public spaces.”

He added: “No single institution can build an inclusive society alone. It takes families willing to advocate, educators willing to adapt, employers willing to open doors, and policymakers willing to act. Our role is to keep bringing the right expertise and resources to the table, so that every individual on the autism spectrum has a genuine chance to participate fully and confidently in everyday life.”

A panel of professionals from Nigeria and abroad included Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo, Cinzia Adanna Ebonine, Osezusi Bolodeoku, Solape Azazi, Remi Olutimayin, and other facilitators who discussed early signs, diagnostic processes, and where families can access help.

Several speakers, who are also mothers of children on the spectrum, shared personal experiences and emphasized the need for parental training.

They noted that meaningful progress requires parents and guardians to learn how to support their children, and to identify certified professionals equipped to manage different stages of autism.

Experts at the conference stressed that proper assessment is the first step.

“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,” the experts said.

The annual conference has become a resource for parents who were previously in denial or unaware that support and interventions are available for neurodivergent children.

For many participants, the event provided clarity.

Some parents shared how early observations were challenging, noting that some children may appear typically developing until certain traits become noticeable.

To support families, the conference offered free parental training sessions to help attendees understand symptoms and therapeutic approaches at different stages of a child’s development.

Organisers said trained parents can better navigate care options and also serve as advocates in their communities.

There are recommendations for schools and professionals from Neuropsychiatric experts and educators at the event.

They highlighted the role of schools and noted that autism is a neurodevelopmental condition and a spectrum, not a physical disability, and called for educators to be equipped with the right skills.

Schools and authorities were urged to ensure teachers and administrators are trained to support autistic children.

Experts advised schools that are not equipped or certified to handle children with special needs to be transparent with parents, to avoid wasting the time and resources of families.

Professionals also advised parents to seek comprehensive guidance from certified practitioners before enrolling children in schools, to ensure access to speech, behavioural and psychological support where needed.

The GTCO Autism Advocacy continues with one-on-one consultations at a clinic scheduled for Wednesday July 29 to Saturday August 1 at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Parents are expected to access counselling and professional guidance for different cases, and to learn how to become advocacy voices within society.

Through the Orange Ribbon Initiative, GTCO says it remains committed to increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and connecting families to credible resources for autism care and support.