Guaranty Trust Holding Company, GTCO says it is pushing a collective shift from creating awareness about autism to promoting genuine acceptance through empathy, inclusion and everyday actions across homes, schools, workplaces and public spaces.
The Company gave this assurance during a press briefing for the 16th GTCO Autism Conference, themed “Acceptance in Action,” scheduled to hold on July 27 and 28, 2026, at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.
Speaking at the briefing, GTCO’s Chief Communication Officer, Mrs. Oyinade Adegite, said society must move beyond simply understanding autism to intentionally creating environments where people on the autism spectrum feel accepted, valued and included.
According to her, while public awareness of autism has improved over the years, meaningful progress depends on demonstrating compassion, patience and understanding in everyday interactions.
“It’s always a call to our humanity. We may not be able to solve people’s problems with money, but we can give our time, patience and understanding. Acceptance belongs in our homes, classrooms, workplaces and public spaces,” she said.
Also speaking, international behaviour analyst, Mrs. Osezusi Bolodeoku, described autism as a neurodevelopmental condition that requires not only medical and therapeutic interventions but also social acceptance and inclusion.
She noted that despite increased awareness campaigns, stigma persists because many people still do not understand how to interact appropriately with individuals on the autism spectrum.
Founder of Cradle Lounge Special Needs Initiative, Mrs. Solape Azazi, emphasised that acceptance begins within families, urging parents to embrace their children without blame or misconceptions associated with an autism diagnosis.
She said parents who openly demonstrate unconditional love and understanding help educate their communities, reduce stigma and encourage inclusion.
Azazi also called on schools, employers and public institutions to adopt more inclusive practices by educating staff, recognising different communication styles and providing reasonable accommodations such as visual communication tools, sensory-friendly spaces and clearer communication systems.
Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo, whose adult child is on the autism spectrum, said autism often has no visible physical signs, making empathy and informed communication especially important.
She urged society to replace judgment with curiosity and compassion whenever individuals exhibit behaviours that may appear different.
Nwokolo also called on government, businesses, educational institutions, the media and the public to work together to promote acceptance and ensure that people on the autism spectrum are treated with dignity and respect.
GTCO announced that the two-day conference will be followed by free one-on-one consultations with medical and developmental specialists from July 29 to August 1 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.
The initiative will also extend to Ghana, where a workshop will be held on August 4 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, followed by free consultations at the same venue from August 5 to 8, 2026.