LAGOS, Nigeria – As the world marks World Autism Day, it's crucial to address the widespread misconceptions and harmful stereotypes surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Nigeria. Many autistic individuals face prejudice and misunderstanding due to a lack of awareness and cultural stigma.
Common misconceptions include labeling autistic children as "imbeciles" or assuming they are mentally unstable. However, autism is not a sign of intellectual deficiency; rather, it is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals perceive, interact with, and communicate with the world around them.
Religious beliefs sometimes contribute to misconceptions, with some attributing autism to spiritual attacks or curses. Such beliefs can lead families to seek ineffective, and sometimes harmful, religious interventions instead of evidence-based therapies.
One persistent myth is the false claim that vaccines cause autism, which has been widely debunked by medical experts.
It is important to replace harmful language with respectful and accurate terminology. Instead of using derogatory terms, the correct term is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Increased education and awareness are essential to promoting inclusion and acceptance of autistic individuals in Nigeria.