GTCO Deepens Autism Support with Free Parent Training, Expert Consultations

By Dailynewscover.com

Hundreds of parents, caregivers, teachers and healthcare professionals gathered at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, as Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) concluded the 16th edition of its annual Autism Conference, reaffirming its commitment to supporting individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through free training, expert guidance and professional consultations.

The two-day conference, held on July 27 and 28, 2026, under GTCO’s Orange Ribbon Initiative, was themed “Acceptance in Action.” Over the years, the initiative has evolved from an awareness campaign into one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for autism education, advocacy and practical intervention, providing families with access to professional support often unavailable elsewhere.

Throughout the conference, participants attended interactive sessions led by autism specialists, therapists and neurodevelopmental experts, who highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, timely intervention and evidence-based therapies in improving outcomes for children on the autism spectrum.

The panel featured respected professionals from Nigeria and abroad, including Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo, Cinzia Adanna Ebonine, Osezusi Bolodeoku, Solape Azazi and Remi Olutimayin, alongside other experienced facilitators.

Drawing from both their professional expertise and personal experiences as mothers of children with autism, several speakers stressed that successful intervention begins with empowering parents through education and continuous support.

According to the experts, parents and guardians should seek assistance only from qualified and certified professionals capable of providing appropriate care tailored to the developmental needs of children with autism.

Several parents also shared emotional testimonies, recounting how their children initially appeared to develop typically before signs of autism gradually became evident. They described the conference as a valuable opportunity to better understand the condition and connect with professionals who could guide them through the challenges of raising children on the spectrum.

The specialists emphasised that every child suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorder should undergo a comprehensive diagnostic assessment before any intervention begins. They warned families against relying on unqualified practitioners offering inexpensive but uncertified treatment options, noting that inappropriate interventions could delay meaningful progress.

To further strengthen family support, GTCO provided free parental training sessions designed to educate participants on recognising autism symptoms, understanding available therapies and adopting effective intervention strategies. The facilitators noted that informed parents are better equipped to make sound decisions for their children while also serving as advocates for autism awareness within their communities.

The experts observed that GTCO’s annual autism conference has continued to transform public perception by helping many families overcome denial and misinformation, while demonstrating that individuals living with autism can thrive when given the right support and opportunitie.

They reaffirmed that autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that exists on a spectrum and should not be mistaken for a physical disability. They also called on schools, policymakers and relevant authorities to strengthen inclusive education by equipping teachers with specialised training and providing learning environments that adequately support children with autism.

Neuropsychiatric specialists further advised schools not to admit children with special needs unless they possess the necessary facilities, qualified personnel and professional capacity to provide appropriate educational, behavioural and therapeutic support. They noted that inadequate support systems often place additional emotional and financial burdens on families.

The professionals also encouraged parents to seek comprehensive guidance from certified specialists before enrolling their children in either public or private schools, ensuring that such institutions can provide essential speech therapy, behavioural intervention and psychological support services.

As part of its continued commitment to autism advocacy, GTCO announced that the programme would continue with free one-on-one consultations from July 29 to August 1, 2026, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

During the consultation sessions, parents and caregivers will receive personalised counselling, professional assessments and practical guidance tailored to the specific needs of their children, while being encouraged to champion greater acceptance, inclusion and awareness of autism across society.