SPECIAL NEEDS INSIGHT

Autism is more common in Africa than many assume, but because early signs often hide behind cultural myths and quiet misunderstandings, countless children lose precious time before they get the support they deserve. The Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) The early years of a child’s life are filled with moments that parents quietly tuck away. The first time they follow your gaze, that contagious giggle when you play peekaboo, the excited reaction when you call their name. However, for many families across Nigeria and Africa, those moments can come with some concerns. Sometimes, they simply never come at all. The earliest signs of autism often arrive quietly. It does not require a dramatic announcement. It can be as simple as a missed glance, an absence of response or delay in milestones that other children seem to tick off without effort. From research and years of clinical observation in African settings, some of the more common signs of autism include: Limited or absent ey...