Health
NGO calls for stronger support, inclusion for neurodivergent children
Daughter of Ellen Support and Empowerment Initiative, a community-focused non-governmental organisation, has called for stronger support and inclusion of persons living with neurodiversity in educational and health policies, and an end to neglect and stigma against them.
The foundation urged the Federal and state governments, private organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to step up support for neurodivergent children, stressing the need for inclusive learning policies for children living with neurodiverse conditions, as poor funding and inadequate infrastructure continue to hinder their care.
It also urged parents to accept children with neurodivergent conditions, treat them with love, and stop attributing such conditions to spiritual attacks, affirming that they have equal value and rights despite differences in cognition and development.
Neurodivergence encompasses neurological differences such as autism, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other cognitive variations that affect how individuals think, learn, and perceive the world.
Daughter of Ellen Support and Empowerment Initiative is an Africa-focused advocacy organisation building an inclusive ecosystem where every neurodivergent child is identified early, fully supported, and celebrated without condition.
Founded by a certified Disability Rights and Accessibility Consultant, Eyvonne Eleko, the initiative represents a bold and structured response to critical gaps in culturally informed support, policy, and community infrastructure across the African continent and within the diaspora.
Speaking during an awareness walk in Lagos titled “Walk for Neurodiversity and Disability Inclusion,” the Project Manager of Daughter of Ellen Support and Empowerment Initiative, Owah Joyce, said the programme was aimed at creating support for persons with disabilities and neurodivergence.
Joyce lamented the lack of structured systems for identifying and addressing the unique needs of children living with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia.
She said, “The purpose of this walk is to create support for persons with disabilities and neurodivergent conditions, to make them feel included, and to build an inclusive society and community for them. We are creating awareness to let Nigerians know that people with neurodivergent conditions need to be included in society and should not be made to feel abnormal or excluded.
“There is a need to include them in society and ensure they feel supported so they do not feel neglected or different. People should understand that they simply think differently; they are not abnormal,” she said.
Joyce noted that due to a lack of awareness and ignorance, many people in Nigeria link neurodivergent conditions to spiritual causes, which exposes affected individuals to stigma and neglect.
“They are not possessed. They just think differently, and that is what we should understand. Children learn differently, and those differences must be recognised and supported,” she said.
The project manager added that with early intervention, children with neurodivergent conditions can thrive, urging parents to seek help from experts and NGOs rather than spiritual solutions.
She called on Nigerians to embrace greater acceptance and support for persons with disabilities and neurodivergent conditions, especially children.
Joyce further reminded parents and caregivers that every child with a disability is a critical member of society and deserves to be treated like every other child.
She said the key message was the need for support and inclusion for persons with neurodivergent conditions in society.
“This should start from home, from every individual who interacts with them, ensuring they are treated with dignity. Also, very importantly, our facilities and infrastructure should be enabling enough to bring out the best in these individuals,” she said.
According to her, once a disability is identified, there should be a structured system to assess individual needs and provide appropriate support, such as mobility aids, assisted living, or specialised education, to enable them to live with dignity and purpose.
She lamented that many children with disabilities are neglected, eventually becoming a burden on their families and society.
Also speaking, a lecturer at the Department of Educational Foundations (Special Education Unit), University of Lagos, Dr Similoluwa Aremu, said neurodivergence is a condition experienced by several individuals, children and adults alike, where their brains function slightly differently from what is considered normal, typical, or regular within society.
“We have children with a range of conditions: autism, ADHD, developmental disorders, Down syndrome, and many others within society.
“In order to improve their education and well-being, the first step is understanding what these conditions are and recognizing that they are human beings just like everyone else.
“They are not beneath us; they are not below us; they are not castaways. They are people with potential who can achieve great things and need to be included in society. Understanding is one thing, acceptance is another. Despite these differences, we know they can function, but they need a little help and more accommodations to fit in,” Aremu said.
She stressed the need to accommodate them and provide educational provisions in classrooms, extra support, and resources to help them succeed.
Aremu pointed out that for those who cannot cope in regular classrooms but are trainable, “we must equip them with artistic and functional life skills to make them self-sustaining and complete human beings.”
“We also need an accessible healthcare system for them. Government support is crucial because caring for them can be expensive. Subsidised treatments and therapies would go a long way.”
Aremu called on Nigerians to change their perceptions of disabilities and neurodivergence.
The lecturer noted that teachers, parents, community leaders, religious leaders, and government officials must all shift their attitudes towards neurodivergent children and adults.
“When this is achieved, children will have balanced, healthy, and productive lives. But the change must begin at home. The home is the first place a child experiences, and it should be where love and acceptance are first felt. Unfortunately, many parents, due to societal stigma or lack of understanding, struggle to accept these children. Some even see them as hindrances to daily living, leading to abandonment, confinement, or worse,” she said.
She lamented that support remains low while urging advocates and specialists to continue spreading information.
“We must advocate for more inclusive schools across communities and ensure parents are educated in languages they understand. Outreach should extend to places of worship and local gatherings. We have successful neurodivergent individuals—such as the Nigerian autistic child who holds a Guinness World Record for the largest art piece. That can inspire parents to see the potential in their children.
“Teachers also need a change in perception and attitude. With collective efforts from NGOs, individuals, and the government, life will be better for these children,” Aremu noted.
She reminded parents that when there is a deficiency in any child, nature often compensates by giving them greater potential in other areas.
“If we fail to train these children, we may never discover the extraordinary abilities they possess. Helping them is not only for their benefit but also for the good of society,” Aremu concluded.
