It pains me to say that “Nigeria may take a while before it gets better” I volunteered for a foundation’s outreach “ Bridges not barriers ” by Cradle Lounge Initiatives. This was organized to spread awareness of Autism in the Ikoyi/ Obalende area and wow! First of all, there are thousands of people in Nigeria who are diagnosed with Autism and do not know. The responses I obtained from the area residents do not differ from those I have encountered in other places or on social media, but it was more depressing. Some had opinions that Autism is attributed to a mental illness. Some went as far as to say it’s madness. Sigh. It’s 2024 and there are still misconceptions despite the various ongoing advocacies. We encountered someone on the spectrum on the road, pacing around, clearly intoxicated and my heart started to beat hard. I thought “ If anything should happen to my family and my little brother is left alone, what will happen? ” I can think of a million things that may have happene
"Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver." -Barbara de Angelis