Parents, caregivers and autism advocates have called for greater understanding, practical support and inclusion for individuals living with autism spectrum disorder, describing acceptance at home and within communities as critical to improving their quality of life.
The call came during GTCO Plc’s 2026 Autism Conference themed “Acceptance in Action,” where participants shared personal experiences and lessons from the programme.
A parent, Abu Jafia, narrated the challenges of caring for his 10-year-old son, who is unable to sit or walk independently.
He said the family has spent years seeking treatment at different hospitals while struggling with the high cost of medication and specialised care.
Despite the challenges, Jafia said the conference exposed him to practical caregiving techniques he had never known before, particularly on managing children with autism and developmental disorders.
He expressed gratitude to GTCO for organising the programme, saying the knowledge gained would help him provide better care for his son.
Another participant, Mrs. Shadiyat Aregbesola, described the sessions on managing children at home and in school as the highlight of the conference, noting that she left with practical lessons that would improve how she supports her child.
Also speaking, Autism Advocate, Oluwakemisola Ilori said one of the major lessons from the conference was that behaviour is a form of communication and must first be understood before it can be properly managed.
She urged parents and caregivers to carefully observe behavioural patterns, document them and learn to meet autistic individuals where they are rather than trying to change them.
According to her, genuine acceptance must begin within families before extending to schools, workplaces and the wider society.
Welcoming participants, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje reaffirmed the company’s commitment to autism advocacy, describing the initiative as a 16-year journey focused on creating awareness and improving support for individuals on the autism spectrum.
He noted that while awareness of autism has improved significantly over the years, the next challenge is helping families and society learn how to cope with and support people living with the condition.
According to him, acceptance is not always straightforward, especially for individuals with higher support needs, stressing that practical support and continuous education remain essential.
He said GTCO does not claim to have all the answers but remains committed to helping families through education, partnerships and platforms that promote inclusion.
The GTCO chief executive described autism advocacy as a journey rather than a destination, noting that until a cure is found, society must continue investing in awareness, clinical support and practical interventions that improve the lives of individuals on the spectrum and their families.
GTCO had 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.