Flapping hands, intense fixations, repetitive behaviours, and a world that often feels too loud or too bright are some of the everyday experiences of children living with autism. For many, communication presents a major challenge; for others, it’s the constant effort to adapt to a world that doesn’t quite move at their pace or speak their language.
In Nigeria, it’s estimated that 930 individuals per 100,000 were living with autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as of 2021. This is a slight decrease from 932 per 100,000 in 2019.
However, experts caution that these figures may not accurately reflect the true prevalence of autism in the country. The absence of precise, up-to-date, and reliable national data continues to obscure the scale of the condition, limiting efforts to design inclusive policies and support systems.
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As we observe World Autism Awareness Day, the need for improved data, early diagnosis, and inclusive care systems has never been more urgent, especially in a country like Nigeria, where awareness and access to support remain limited.
The reported rate of autism in Nigeria has shown a slight decline over the past three years; however, the lack of recent and comprehensive data makes it difficult to confirm whether this trend is accurate or sustained.
Another frequently cited study from 2014, conducted at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria, analysed 2,320 cases at the pediatric neurology and child psychiatry clinic. The study found that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) accounted for 2.3% of these cases
Autism Prevalence: Worldwide, Across Africa, Gender and Age Groups:
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is among the most prevalent lifelong developmental disorders affecting children. It encompasses a wide range of cognitive and neurobehavioral conditions, typically marked by three key characteristics: difficulties in social interaction, impairments in both verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive or restricted patterns of behaviour.
Recognising the growing need for awareness and inclusion, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day. The day aims to spotlight the realities faced by individuals with autism, promote their acceptance, and improve their overall quality of life.
An estimated 61.8 million people, roughly one in every 127 globally, were autistic in 2021. Research shows that this number has been steadily rising over the years. According to the World Health Organisation’s Global Report on Children with Developmental Disabilities, autism spectrum disorder is more frequently diagnosed in high-income countries, with a prevalence rate of 0.6%.
However, prevalence in low- and middle-income countries remains largely unknown due to insufficient data, limited awareness, and delayed or missed diagnoses.
Across Africa, Equatorial Guinea has the highest reported rate of autism, with an estimated 984 cases per 100,000 people. It tops the list of African countries with the highest prevalence, followed by Djibouti, Cape Verde, Uganda, and São Tomé and Príncipe, among others.
However, it’s important to note that a higher rate of autism diagnoses in one country does not necessarily mean autism is more prevalent there. Rather, it may reflect a stronger healthcare system with better diagnostic capabilities. Countries with more robust health infrastructure are often better equipped to identify and record cases of autism than those with limited diagnostic tools and lower public awareness.
In 2019, developmental conditions affexted approximately 316.8 million children and adolescents worldwide. Males were disproportionately impacted, with 179.7 million cases compared to 137 million in females. These developmental disorders span a wide range, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The causes of these conditions are varied and complex. Some originate before birth—such as genetic mutations or complications during pregnancy while others result from infectious diseases like maternal viral infections.
Postnatal factors such as traumatic brain injuries, neonatal complications (e.g., prematurity or oxygen deprivation at birth), and sensory processing disorders can also contribute. Neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD typically emerge in early childhood, affecting brain function, learning, and behaviour.
Notably, children aged 15 to 19 years have the highest prevalence of conditions that can cause developmental disabilities globally.
Research and Budget Shortfalls: Due to the lack of consistent and comprehensive data on autism and other developmental disorders such as Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, budgetary allocations and policy interventions in Nigeria often fail to reflect the real needs of affected individuals and communities.
Research indicates that there are very few studies focused on autism in Nigerian children, and there is a noticeable lack of literature exploring the epidemiology of ASD among African children more broadly.
This data gap not only limits the effectiveness of government planning but also contributes to low public awareness and a lack of prioritisation of support systems for individuals and families living with these conditions.
The 2025 approved national budget reflects this disconnect between data, policy, and support systems. The term “autism” appears only once throughout the entire document and is notably absent from the budgetary allocations of key ministries.
Even the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities established under Section 31 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, to protect the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, does not list any specific allocation for autism-related programs or services.
Dataphyte analysis of the 2025 budget revealed that the only reference to autism was within the Ministry of Health’s allocation to the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board. There, N20 million in capital expenditure was earmarked for a single initiative: raising awareness on autism management and talent support.
The Root Cause and The Path To Solutions: Efforts to recognize autism as a distinct developmental disability began in earnest in the early 1940s in the United States and gained traction in South Africa by the mid-1960s. In South Africa, the movement accelerated when Dr Vera Buhrman highlighted the rising prevalence of autism in Cape Town. By 1970, the city had established its first school for autistic learners, a number that has since grown to about five nationwide, reflecting a sustained, albeit limited, commitment to supporting those with autism.
In contrast, Nigeria’s current reality mirrors that of pre-1943 America, where doctors misdiagnosed children with autism as schizophrenic or mentally disabled, and people commonly believed maternal neglect or spiritual causes were responsible.
In many Nigerian communities, especially rural areas, people still view autistic individuals with superstition, often considering them possessed, cursed, or dangerous.
A pervasive lack of awareness compounds this deep-rooted stigma. While some medical professionals in Nigeria may recognise the term “autism,” their understanding is often cursory. Research show that many still consider it untreatable, and alarmingly, nearly 70 per cent of healthcare practitioners are unaware of available referral pathways or intervention options, even when autism is correctly diagnosed.
Whether through strategic policy interventions or advocacy led by civil society organisations, autism and other developmental disorders need to be well tracked and documented. These conditions deserve more attention, not only in terms of visibility but also in how we integrate them into our healthcare, education, and social systems.
Central to this transformation is the issue of data management. No country can achieve meaningful progress, whether in health, education, or economic development, without reliable, detailed, and actionable data.
Without robust data systems, it becomes nearly impossible to capture the true scope of autism and related conditions, let alone design policies or allocate resources that lead to real, measurable improvements.
Reliable data is more than just a technical requirement; it is the backbone of modern development. It enables evidence-based decision-making, fosters accountability, and ensures that no population, particularly those with complex and often invisible disabilities, is left behind.
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