-Fisayo Ajibola
A critical diagnosis gap in Nigeria currently leaves the vast majority of children on the
autism spectrum without access to early intervention. This failure to identify
neurodiversity at an early stage creates significant long-term consequences for
families and the national healthcare system, as many children miss the window for
effective support. In response, The Alternative Bank (AltBank) has launched its 2026
World Autism Month campaign, ‘It’s How You Show Up’, in partnership with the
Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), Sterling One Foundation, and
Eliakim Foundation.
While conservative estimates suggest that over 600,000 Nigerian children are on the
autism spectrum, infrastructure gaps mean most lack a formal diagnosis. Research
indicates that children typically present for clinical services at an average age of
seven, well past the window for effective early intervention. This is further
complicated by a severe shortage of specialists, with fewer than 200 psychiatrists
currently serving a national population of over 200 million.
The ‘It’s How You Show Up’ campaign is a direct response to these systemic
barriers. The initiative targets four measurable outcomes: advocacy through media
engagement, professional training for caregivers, a stakeholder roundtable, and
funded clinical screenings. These screenings are designed to provide clear pathways
to medical and educational assistance for children following their diagnosis.
The campaign will culminate in a stakeholder roundtable and policy dialogue
scheduled for 24 April in Lagos. This session will bring together healthcare leaders,
policymakers, and financial executives to address the integration of autism screening
into the primary healthcare framework of Nigeria and the development of sustainable
financing models for post-diagnosis care.
Participants will evaluate a national evidence brief and commit to trackable actions to
improve the autism support landscape. “We do not see inclusion as a seasonal task
but as a vital part of a healthy society,” stated Dr Jekwu Ozoemene, Group
Executive at The Alternative Bank.
“Through this initiative, we are not just talking about support, we are delivering it. By
tracking the results of these screenings and interventions, we can build a real system
that helps the autism community and strengthens the nation,” he added.
The ‘It’s How You Show Up’ campaign is part of the commitment by AltBank to social
impact investment and inclusive finance. Individuals, caregivers, and organisations
interested in the screening programme or the stakeholder roundtable can visit
altbank.ng/autism26 for more information.
