Autism Awareness Ibadan, in partnership with the Fortune Otis Foundation, hosted a parent community meet on Saturday, January 31, bringing together parents, caregivers, children, and professionals supporting children on the autism spectrum. The event focused on connection, emotional safety, and practical community support rather than formal lectures, creating an inclusive and relaxed environment for families.
Creating a Psychologically Safe Space for Autism Families
According to Olusegun Iyejare, a licensed developmental psychologist and community mental health educator who attended the event, the structure of the gathering was psychologically significant. Instead of expert driven presentations, the organizers prioritized human connection and emotional presence, allowing families to unwind and feel understood.
Children participated in activities such as bouncing castles, painting, singing, and dancing, while parents engaged in discussion circles that encouraged openness and shared reflection. Iyejare explained that such spaces reduce caregiver isolation and support emotional wellbeing for both children and adults affected by autism.
Community Mental Health and the Power of Intentional Connection
From a professional perspective, Iyejare observed that the event reinforced a key principle of community mental health. People are often willing to connect and share their experiences, but community forms only when intentional spaces are created. In his assessment, the deliberate approach taken by Autism Awareness Ibadan and the Fortune Otis Foundation transformed individual struggles into collective support.
Parental Denial as a Barrier to Early Autism Intervention in Nigeria
Discussions during the meet revealed a persistent challenge in autism spectrum disorder care in Nigeria. Drawing on insights from the conversations, Iyejare identified parental denial as one of the greatest barriers to early identification and intervention. From a developmental psychology standpoint, difficulty accepting a diagnosis frequently delays or prevents access to support, negatively affecting long term developmental outcomes for children on the spectrum.
Cross Border Autism Care and Its Psychological Impact on Children
Another concern raised during the event was the practice of some Nigerian parents living abroad returning their children on the autism spectrum to Nigeria for care. While this reflects growing confidence in the affordability and availability of local services, Iyejare cautioned that separation from immediate family can have serious emotional and developmental consequences. Attachment security, stable relationships, and emotional continuity are critical to healthy development, and caregivers in Nigeria are often under resourced and under supported to fully meet these needs.
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Strengthening Autism Support Systems Through Community Based Initiatives
Despite the challenges discussed, Iyejare described the parent community meet as deeply impactful. Participants repeatedly expressed how necessary the space was and how much more of such initiatives are needed. From a professional perspective, the event demonstrated that strong support systems can promote healing and resilience, even in settings with limited resources.
By creating a psychologically informed and family centered space, Autism Awareness Ibadan and the Fortune Otis Foundation continue to play a vital role in advancing autism awareness, caregiver support, and community mental health in Nigeria.
