Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCo) has reaffirmed its commitment to autism advocacy in Nigeria as the holding company which has made some strides on this journey in the last 15 years has positively impacted the lives of over 5,000 families through the programme.
In addition to touching many lives, the company has promoted awareness and support for children and other individuals living with neurodevelopmental disorders.
The journey began in 2009 with a commitment to advocate for children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, to stop the stigmatisation, and support parents and caregivers alike, the bank said.
“This year, as we mark an important milestone, we turn our focus on the theme: From Awareness to Action: 15 years of advancing autism inclusion”, Segun Agbaje, the company CEO noted.
“The theme challenges us to deepen our understanding, push for a better system and ensure that individuals on the autism spectrum are not just supported, but empowered, included and celebrated.”
Speaking to journalists recently while flagging the 2025 programme, Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communication Officer, GTCO Plc said a major component of autism advocacy initiative is the annual autism conference, designed to amplify the challenges faced by individuals with ASD and provide practical support to help them integrate successfully into the society.
The company has lined up 15 facilitators on autism related health issues and educators for the two-day conference slated for July 15 and 16, this year while there will be one-on-one consultation with specialists at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat Lagos on July 17 and 19, 2025.
GTCo’s annual Autism Conference and free consultation clinics have usually provided an avenue for individuals and families navigating autism, as the conference and free consultation connect them to experts in such areas as speech therapy, behavioral analysis, and mental health. “These interventions have enabled thousands of families to access critical resources that were previously out of reach”.
Adegite said that the advocacy and support by the GTCO holding company for autism will continue.
On possible causes of autism, Grace Bamigboye, a consultant and speech language pathologist said there are no known causes for autism. She however said there are issues relating to pre-natal conceptions, pregnant mothers not taking their medications for fear of bitterness of the drugs, usage of unprescribed drugs, addiction to hard drugs, mismanagement by midwives, wrong surgery, and wrong medications after birth when the child becomes ill.
