Elegbede Abiodun
A critical diagnosis gap in Nigeria currently leaves the vast majority of children on the autism spectrum without access to early intervention. This failure to identify neurodiversity at an early stage creates significant long-term consequences for families and the national healthcare system, as many children miss the window for effective support. In response, The Alternative Bank (AltBank) has launched its 2026 World Autism Month campaign, ‘It’s How You Show Up’, in partnership with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), Sterling One Foundation, and Eliakim Foundation.
While conservative estimates suggest that over 600,000 Nigerian children are on the autism spectrum, infrastructure gaps mean most lack a formal diagnosis. Research indicates that children typically present for clinical services at an average age of seven, well past the window for effective early intervention. This is further complicated by a severe shortage of specialists, with fewer than 200 psychiatrists currently serving a national population of over 200 million.
The ‘It’s How You Show Up’ campaign is a direct response to these systemic barriers. The initiative targets four measurable outcomes: advocacy through media engagement, professional training for caregivers, a stakeholder roundtable, and funded clinical screenings. These screenings are designed to provide clear pathways to medical and educational assistance for children following their diagnosis.
The campaign will culminate in a stakeholder roundtable and policy dialogue scheduled for 24 April in Lagos. This session will bring together healthcare leaders, policymakers, and financial executives to address the integration of autism screening into the primary healthcare framework of Nigeria and the development of sustainable financing models for post-diagnosis care.
Participants will evaluate a national evidence brief and commit to trackable actions to improve the autism support landscape. “We do not see inclusion as a seasonal task but as a vital part of a healthy society,” stated Dr Jekwu Ozoemene, Group Executive at The Alternative Bank.
“Through this initiative, we are not just talking about support, we are delivering it. By tracking the results of these screenings and interventions, we can build a real system that helps the autism community and strengthens the nation,” he added.
The ‘It’s How You Show Up’ campaign is part of the commitment by AltBank to social impact investment and inclusive finance. Individuals, caregivers, and organisations interested in the screening programme or the stakeholder roundtable can visit altbank.ng/autism26 for more information.
About The Alternative Bank
The Alternative Bank commenced its journey in January 2014 as a non-interest banking window in Sterling, with a vision to create a dynamic banking experience that respects individuality and speaks the language of its customers/partners. In July 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria issued a Banking License to The Alternative Bank, enabling it to operate as a fully-fledged, standalone bank. Guided by its Advisory Committee of Experts (ACE), The Alternative Bank ensures all its operations align with the ethics of Non-Interest Banking. For more information, please visit www.altbank.ng
