Experts Seek Early Intervention To Unlock Neurodivergent Potential

Experts have appealed to Nigerians to give supportive hands, inclusion to end marginalisation of neurodivergent people in the country.

They made the appeal at a neurodiversity and disability inclusion walk, organised by Daughter of Ellen Support and Empowerment Initiative, stressing that neurodivergent individuals “simply think differently; they are not abnormal,” challenging the common Nigerian misconception that neurological differences stem from spiritual problems or possession.

Global prevalence estimates show one in seven people are neurodivergent, which roughly affects millions of Nigerians.

The project manager for Daughter of Ellen, Owah Joyce, said, “The support for these people is currently inadequate in Nigeria.

‘’This awareness campaign encourages everyone to include neurodivergent individuals in all areas of life, stop treating them as abnormal or excluded, and actively stand with them through awareness, solidarity, and genuine support.”

Neurodivergence describes conditions where brains function differently from what society considers normal or typical, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, autism, Tourette syndrome, and Down syndrome.

Joyce urged parents to stop labeling neurodivergent children as “stubborn” or “slow.” In Nigeria, many children remain undiagnosed because families either overlook signs or mistakenly treat them as spiritual problems. Instead of turning immediately to prayer grounds, parents should take the child for a professional diagnosis to find out what is really going on. Once diagnosed, families can access the right support.”

A lecturer in the Department of Educational Foundations (Special Education Unit) at the University of Lagos, Dr. Similoluwa Aremu, emphasized that neurodivergent individuals are human beings “just like every other person.

“They are not beneath us; they are not below us; they are not castaways. They are people with potential who can do great things and need to be included in society,” he said.

Aremu noted that while neurodivergent people can function, they need “a little bit of help, a little bit more accommodation to fit in.” These accommodations span educational provisions in classrooms, extra aid, and specialized resources to help them succeed.