GTCO Autism Conference 2026: Kilo Urges Government to Strengthen Autism Diagnosis, Early Intervention
By Temidayo Anthony
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.
An Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Consultant, Dr. Bernadette Kilo, has called on the Nigerian government to strengthen support for autism diagnosis and early intervention programmes across the country.
Kilo, who spoke at the GTCO Autism Conference 2026, also advocated the inclusion of autism education in medical school curricula and the development of workplace policies that promote the inclusion of autistic people.
She urged the media to portray autistic individuals with dignity rather than as objects of pity, stressing the need for society to choose “shame or dignity, silence or solidarity, fear or acceptance.”
Kilo encouraged Nigerians to make acceptance a daily commitment, urging parents to show their autistic children love and support, students to speak out against bullying, educators to embrace inclusive education, and healthcare professionals to adopt evidence-based and neuroaffirming practices.
She stressed that every autistic person in Nigeria deserves the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life, adding that acceptance is not a destination but a continuous journey that requires individuals and institutions to listen, learn and create inclusive spaces where autistic people can belong, thrive and be celebrated.
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