Understanding Autism
“THE NON-CONVENTIONAL WAY OF BEING”
For plenty African countries, dem dey misunderstand autism well well, and families wey get pikin wey dey autistic dey face avoidance from people that is to say people just dey avoid dem, dey do things without dem, and dem dey shame dem; people dai curse dem say na their yeye life cause am. Some people go believe say autism na punishment or say e show say di family don do something wey no good, whereas others dey think say na one kind sickness wey fit “cure” with traditional or to go native doctor. This kind thinking dey lead to people to no wan relate with you, and e dey make am hard for autistic children to get di love, support, and acceptance wey dem need to do well. But all dis thinking dey based on myth and misconception wey we fit address if we sabi wetin autism really be.
Autism, as the name sound, na condition wey dey affect how person dey talk to other people, interact with others, and experience di world. People wey get autism dey see and interpret things differently from people wey no get am. Dis difference fit mean say dem get unique strengths, like sharp attention to detail, strong memory, or di ability to focus well on wetin dem love. But e fit also mean say dem go dey struggle for social situations, fit find am hard to express emotion di normal way, or dey feel overwhelmed for loud or chaotic environments. Autism no mean say person dey sick or say dem dey suffer curse. No! E just be different way to dey exist for di world, like speaking different language or seeing di world through another lens.
To help break di wahala, e dey very important to understand say autistic people no be “broken” or “flawed” versions of other people. Dem get their own way of thinking, communicating, and interacting, wey dey as valid and beautiful as any other way. If we embrace dis perspective, we go recognize say autism no be something wey we suppose “fix,” but something wey we fit understand and appreciate. Just as we dey value diversity for culture, language, and art, we fit also value di diversity in how people dey think, feel, and interact. Autism no be curse but special way of being. Autistic pipu dey enrich our communities by bringing new perspectives, challenging our assumptions, and teaching us empathy and understanding. By welcoming and supporting autistic people, we dey build more inclusive society wey go make everybody feel say dem get place and be valued for who dem be.
“Autism no mean say person dey sick or say dem dey suffer curse. No! E just be different way to dey exist for di world, like speaking different language or seeing di world through another lens.”
Dr. Oluwatosin Akande
Founder / CEO Bethel Xafe Autism Foundation
LOVE; BURDEN OR EASE?
Love na one of di most powerful thing we fit use to support people wey don dey certain say dem get autism. Love dey encourage acceptance, understanding, and patience, and all dis things dey important for creating environment wey go make autistic pipu feel special and supported. Instead make we dey see autism as problem wey we need to solve, love go help us see di person beyond di diagnosis, appreciate dem for who dem be, and embrace di unique ways wey dem dey see di world. When families, friends, and communities show love, dem dey create safe spaces wey go allow autistic pipu to grow, learn, and reach their potential without fear of judgment or rejection.
For autistic individuals, navigating di world fit sometimes dey overwhelming because dem dey struggle with sensory overload, social cues, and communication. But a loving approach go recognize all dis challenges and help dem find ways to manage, cope, and communicate on dem own terms. Love dey encourage us to take time to understand wetin each person need and how we fit support dem. Whether na to learn di way wey dem prefer to talk, celebrate dem strengths, or change di environment to reduce stress, love dey allow us look at things from dem perspective and create world wey dey more inclusive and supportive.
Plus, love dey give strong spirit for both autistic pipu and dem families and caregivers. To raise autistic pikin or support autistic friend fit come with e own unique challenges, but love dey make am possible to face dem wahala with strong mind and hope. Love dey motivate families and caregivers to seek resources, learn more about autism, and advocate for di rights and inclusion of dem loved ones. Dis kind support dey help autistic pipu feel valued and give dem di confidence to follow their passions, connect with others, and contribute to dem communities. For schools, workplaces, and communities, a loving approach to autism dey foster understanding and reduce stigma. When we approach autism with love, we dey move away from stereotypes and judgments, and instead we dey focus on building connections and finding ways to celebrate each person’s individuality. Simple acts like listening to an autistic person’s experiences, respecting their boundaries, or learning about wetin dem like fit make better impact. At di end of di day, love dey help break down barriers and create society wey go make everybody feel say dem belong.
6 COMMON MISTAKES WE MAKE
Trying to "Fix" Autism
One of di biggest mistakes wey people dey make when dem dey manage autism na to dey treat am like something wey need to be “fixed.” Autism na neurodevelopmental condition, meaning say autistic person brain dey function differently from neurotypical one. Di goal suppose no be to make autistic people “normal,” but to support dem to develop skills and achieve dem personal goals. Embracing dem unique perspectives and strengths, instead of focusing on changing dem, go help dem build self-confidence and grow authentically.
Overlooking Sensory Sensitivities
Many people wey get autism get heightened sensitivities to sights, sounds, textures, and smells, wey fit make some environments overwhelming or uncomfortable for dem. If we ignore dem sensory needs, e fit lead to stress, anxiety, and even meltdowns. Providing tools like noise-canceling headphones, dimming lights, or creating quiet spaces fit significantly improve comfort and reduce sensory overload, creating more welcoming environment for autistic individuals.
Ignoring Communication Differences
Communication differences na core part of autism. Some autistic pipu fit be nonverbal or fit communicate differently from neurotypical people. If we insist on traditional forms of communication, like speech, and disregard alternative forms, like sign language, writing, or technology, e fit cause unnecessary frustration. Understanding and supporting each person’s preferred communication style go allow dem express demself fully and feel respected.
Underestimating Their Abilities
Another common mistake na to underestimate di abilities of autistic individuals. E dey very important to recognize say autistic people, like everybody else, get unique talents, skills, and passions. Assuming say person no fit do certain tasks just because dem dey autistic fit limit dem opportunities and stunt dem growth. Encouraging exploration, growth, and self-expression fit help dem reach dem full potential, no matter how dat one fit look in traditional terms.
Relying Too Much on Structure and Routine
While structure and routine fit provide comfort for many autistic individuals, if we dey rely on dem too much, e fit lead to rigidity, wey go make am hard for dem to adapt to new situation wey dem neva see before. Teaching flexibility in small, manageable ways go allow autistic pipu dem build resilience and cope with changes in a safe and supported manner. Striking balance between routine and flexibility na key to building adaptability and independence.
Using Punishment Instead of Understanding
E fit dey tempting to discipline certain behaviors wey look disruptive, but for autism, many behaviors dey often be expressions of unmet needs or sensory overload. Instead of punishment, understanding di root cause of behaviors—whether na sensory discomfort, frustration, or communication needs—go lead to better management. Developing coping strategies, providing outlets for self-expression, and creating calming routines fit reduce challenging behaviors in a constructive way.
SIGHT AND SOUNDS: THE IRONY
Sight and sound fit dey experienced differently by people wey get autism, as many autistic people dey process sensory information in unique ways. Sensory sensitivity, especially when e come to sight and sound, dey common for autism and fit mean say sights, sounds, and even textures wey go feel normal or pleasant to others fit overwhelm or discomfort dem. Understanding these sensory differences fit help family members, teachers, and friends create more comfortable and supportive environment for autistic individuals.
For some autistic people, sights fit be highly stimulating. Bright lights, vibrant colors, or sudden visual changes fit dey hard to process, and sometimes dis fit lead to sensory overload. On di other hand, some fit find certain patterns or visual details fascinating and go enjoy focusing on dem for long periods. This sensitivity fit mean say a bustling, colorful room dey overwhelming, while a simple, organized space dey calming and secure. Adjusting lighting, reducing visual clutter, or allowing for periods of visual rest fit make big difference for di comfort level of an autistic person.
Sound fit also be intense experience for many autistic individuals. Some fit get heightened sensitivity to sound, making dem more aware of subtle noises like di hum of a fan, background chatter, or di sound of footsteps. These everyday sounds fit feel amplified and distracting, leading to discomfort, anxiety, or di need to escape to a quieter place. Sudden or loud noises, like alarms or sirens, fit also be particularly distressing. At di same time, some autistic people fit find certain sounds soothing or even enjoyable, like di rhythm of a ticking clock or di repetitive sound of a particular melody.
Recognizing these sensitivities to sight and sound go allow for more empathetic and adaptive support. For example, reducing unnecessary noise, providing ear defenders, dimming bright lights, or creating quiet spaces fit help reduce sensory overload and promote comfort. By respecting and adjusting to these sensory needs, we dey create environment wey autistic pipu go feel safe and better support, so e fit help dem to interact and learn in ways wey go work best for dem. Understanding and accommodating sight and sound sensitivities no only honor each individual’s experience but also open doors to more inclusive and positive interactions.
“Sudden or loud noises, like alarms or sirens, fit also be particularly distressing. At di same time, some autistic people fit find certain sounds soothing or even enjoyable, like di rhythm of a ticking clock or di repetitive sound of a particular melody.”
Dr. Oluwatosin Akande
Founder / CEO Bethel Xafe Autism Foundation
