From the past few years, the worldwide conversation about autism has taken giant leaps forward, deviating away from a focus on medical “disorder” and rather accepting the concept of neurodiversity. Autism, a complex developmental condition, is now being seen as an intrinsic part of human diversity instead of a shift from the so-called “normal” spectrum. This shift in perspective has nurture understanding, acceptance, and support for those on the autism spectrum, empowering them to excel in a changing world.
The 13th Annual Autism conference of Guarantee Trust Holding (GTCO) held on the 24th and 25th of July at MUSON centre Onikan, Lagos Island, Lagos State Nigeria with the tag: “EMPOWERING VOICES FOR AUTISM” was a huge platform to amplify beyond awareness and to educate the public the needs to embrace neurodiversity.
Queen Luciano Foundation, a non-profit organization in Ondo State Nigeria seized the 13th Annual Autism conference to educate and equipped her team about autism and people on the autism spectrum.
The 2-Days Conference featured a dramatic performance to advocate the so much abilities in autistic people using the story of Tobe, an award winning photographer who is on the autism spectrum; a lecture-packed session and a breakout session.
The lecture session comprises of educative topics delivered by world class professionals such as:
- Understanding the Neurodiverse Minds: A Focus on Repetitive Behaviours in Autism by Dr. Brian Boyd(interim director of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill).
Executive Functioning and Autism by Lanre Duyile(Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and Founder, Behaviourise Int. Canada).
- Communication and Social Skills by Tomi Agboola Odeleye(Speech Pathologist).
The therapeutic potential of Art in Autism by Kunle Awe(Expert in Art Therapy and Autism).
Music as a pathway to Communication and Connection by John Paul Horsley(Award winning British singer and autism support specialist).
- Autism and Special Education by Ivie Okwuegbuna(Special Education and Inclusion Specialist).
The 13th Annual Autism conference was an eye opener as it educate the public about what autism truly is and how it could be managed to discover the potential in everyone on the autism spectrum. It was a big start for anyone considering to seek deeper knowledge on autism and possibly pursue a career in the autism support field.
