Group Seeks Stronger Policies, Inclusion For Neurodivergent Children

A group, Phebean Neurodiversity Support Nigeria, has renewed its call for more government action, wider public awareness and inclusive learning policies for children living with neurodiversity challenges.

The group made the call at its maiden awareness workshop in Abuja last weekend.

The event brought together teachers, caregivers, health workers and community stakeholders who work directly with neurodivergent children.

Speaking at the workshop, the programme coordinator Olubumi Ajayi said Nigeria must begin to embrace the concept of neurodiversity, which recognises that people’s brains function differently.

“In Nigeria, there is still not enough awareness about neurodiversity.

“People must understand that there is no ‘normal brain’. Children learn differently, and those differences must be understood and supported”, Ajayi said.

She explained that conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other learning differences require specialised attention and tailored teaching methods.

Ajayi said real change begins within communities and schools, noting that teachers play a decisive role in shaping public understanding.

“Teachers are changemakers. They influence how society views learning differences and how neurodiverse children are treated.”

She also called for stronger legislation, inclusive education frameworks and government-backed support systems for children with developmental conditions.

“We are advocating for bills that will ensure true inclusion for children living with neurodiversities,” she added.

Special needs therapist Faith Omondiagbe said that acceptance must be the first step in supporting neurodivergent children.

The convener of Phebean Neurodiversity Support, Olayinka urged the federal government to establish early-detection systems and subsidised therapy for autistic and neurodivergent children.