GTCO Autism Conference 2026: From Awareness to Real Acceptance
For 16 years, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has been pushing the conversation on autism in Nigeria. But this year, they are not just talking. They are demanding action. The 16th Annual GTCO Autism Conference, themed “Acceptance in Action: From Family to Classroom to Workplace to Public Spaces”, kicks off on July 27 and 28 at the Muson Centre, Lagos. And it comes with a powerful message: awareness alone is not enough.
Despite growing recognition of autism across Nigeria, thousands of children and adults on the spectrum still face discrimination in homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Experts at the media briefing in Lagos made it clear: the country needs to shift from mere awareness to genuine acceptance. This is not about pity. This is about inclusion. This is about action.
What is the GTCO Autism Conference About?
The conference brings together autism specialists, educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, parents, and caregivers. They will discuss practical strategies for improving the lives of people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). And the best part? Families can access free one-on-one consultations with medical and developmental specialists from July 29 to August 1 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja. No fees. No barriers. Just real support.
GTCO Group CEO Segun Agbaje put it bluntly: “16 years ago, we set out to help families navigate a journey that too often felt isolating. Today, this programme stands as proof of what sustained commitment can achieve.” He challenged everyone to move beyond good intentions. “Acceptance in Action challenges all of us to make inclusion visible in the way we raise our families, teach in our classrooms, build our workplaces, and welcome one another in public spaces.”
Why Awareness is Not Enough
Behavioural specialists at the briefing argued that while awareness has improved, acceptance remains Nigeria’s greatest challenge. Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo, a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and psychologist, explained: “We have done a lot of awareness. People now have an idea of what autism is. But acceptance happens in the community. Inclusion is action, not words.”
She described autism as an “unseen disability.” Because it is not visible, society often misunderstands the behaviour of people on the spectrum. “They assume the child is stubborn or badly behaved, or that the adult is rude or difficult. That is why acceptance is so important.”
How Families Can Start Accepting
Solape Azazi, founder of Cradle Lounge Special Needs Initiative and International Behaviour Analyst, said acceptance begins at home. “The first thing parents must do is meet the child where the child is. Do not see the diagnosis first; see your child first.” She urged families to stop blaming themselves or seeking spiritual explanations. “When families accept their children, communities begin to learn acceptance too.”
Dr. Nwokolo shared a powerful story: a mother who attended one of GTCO’s community sensitisation programmes broke down in tears after realising her 30-year-old son was autistic. “She said, ‘I will go home now and look at my child differently.’ That is what acceptance can do. It changes lives.”
What About Schools and Workplaces?
The experts called on governments to broaden disability policies to include invisible disabilities like autism. They also urged employers to stop labelling autistic employees as difficult. “An autistic employee may communicate differently or struggle with social interactions. Instead of asking what support the person needs, employers often label them difficult. That is not acceptance.”
GTCO’s advocacy has already led to autism awareness training for airport personnel after an incident where a child on the spectrum was shouted at by security officials. “People working in airports, hospitals, schools, and other public places need to understand autism because these are everyday environments where families face discrimination.”
GTCO’s Call for Collective Responsibility
GTCO Chief Communication Officer Oyinade Ogunade urged Nigerians to choose compassion over judgement. “Sometimes survival makes us lose our humanity. We may not be able to solve everyone’s problems, but we can choose compassion instead of judgement.”
For many families, acceptance remains the first step towards unlocking the potential of every child living with autism. The GTCO conference is not just an event. It is a movement. And it is calling on every Nigerian to be part of the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the GTCO Autism Conference 2026?
The conference will be held on July 27 and 28 at the Muson Centre, Lagos. Free consultations follow from July 29 to August 1 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. Families can access free one-on-one consultations with medical and developmental specialists. No fees required.
Who should attend the conference?
Autism specialists, educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in building an inclusive society.
How can I register?
Details are available on GTCO’s official channels. Walk-ins are also welcome for the free consultations.