2026 Bethel Xafe Autism Foundation Conference: Experts Urge Parents To Take Responsibility And Accept Autism As Part Of Life

In celebration of  20w26 World Autism Awareness Day, parents have been urged to take responsibility and accept autism as part of life.

This was gathered during the Bethel Xafe Autism Foundation conference held on Thursday, 2nd April 2026, in Lagos, with the theme, “When inclusion becomes a lifestyle, not just a policy.”

Speaking at the 2026 Autism Acceptance Conference in Lagos, Dr. Oluwatosin Akande, the foundation’s founder, said acceptance remains the first step towards creating a more inclusive family, school, and community for children on the autism spectrum.

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Dr. Akande said inclusion must become a lifestyle and urged parents to mentor and encourage children on the spectrum and not view them as having a disability.

Dr. Akande said many parents have yet to accept and understand the situation, adding that many parents view the situation as a disability and therefore find it difficult to accept.

“It’s not a disability but a lifestyle. When parents accept it, they will love it wholeheartedly,” she said.

Dr. Akande said every child has strengths and urged parents to mentor them and love them by engaging them in daily activities and recognizing them for their uniqueness.

She stressed that every child has strengths and urged parents to mentor them and love them by engaging them in daily activities and recognizing them for their uniqueness.

Also, Dr. Adeola Ekine, the Special Adviser to the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, said the existence of autism has been in our homes, schools, and places of work.

Dr. Ekine said many people on the spectrum have been misunderstood and treated as outcasts because the larger society has yet to fully embrace inclusion.

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She said the main challenges to inclusion have been ignorance, fear, and the absence of a policy to promote inclusion.

“Inclusion must move beyond policy and become something we practice daily in education, communication, and storytelling.”

Ekine stated that the media should at all times advocate awareness, acceptance, and inclusion.

She encouraged the media to write more human stories that portray the reality and possibilities of autism.

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Heavenly-Dera Osadebe, a 10-year-old child advocate for autism, stated that inclusion should be practiced daily by everyone.

She stated that young people should contribute their own part in being kind, patient, and understanding towards autistic children.

She said, “We should give time to people with autism and practice inclusion in our everyday life.”

She added that inclusion is simple and should be practiced from childhood.

She advised children to be friendly, supportive, and willing to learn about the differences between them and their peers.

Mrs. Nnebisi Osadebe, mother of Heavenly-Dera Osadebe, stated that there is a need to support autistic children, saying society should reject the stigma associated with autistic children and that society should create an environment where autistic children can feel safe.

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She said, “Show love, not hate. Include them in all activities and support their growth.”

She advised parents to recognize their children’s talents and help them pursue their talents in areas such as sports, mathematics, and arts.

Mr. Remi Olutimayin, a voice actor, said there is a need to understand autism, adding that awareness has to move beyond the understanding of the condition to encompass feelings, support structures, and opportunities for self-expression.

He said, “People must be courageous to share their stories and seek a proper understanding of autism.”

Olutimayin urged more investments in children and encouraged them to share their stories.

In conclusion, he urged the need to engage children on the spectrum in a more positive manner, share experiences, and engage in advocacy.