World Autism Day: What every Nigerian should know
Many people still misunderstand autism. Some call autistic children “imbe” or assume they are mentally unstable. But autism is not madness. It is not foolishness.
It is a condition that affects how people think, communicate and interact. What many call “bad behaviour” is often a result of this condition, not a lack of home training.
Let’s break it down. Below are 7 harmful things people say or assume about autistic people and why they need to stop.
1. Calling them ‘imbeciles’
Many autistic people are very intelligent, but people often insult them by calling them “imbe” or “dull.” These words are not only disrespectful, but they’re wrong. Autism does not mean someone is unintelligent. Some autistic people excel in music, art, maths or memory. You just need to look beyond the surface.
2. Saying it’s a spiritual attack
Autism is not a curse or spiritual punishment. It is a neurological condition that affects how the brain works. Beating a child or taking them for endless deliverance will not “cast it out.” Instead of blaming spirits, take the child to a specialist who understands how to help.
3. Assuming they can’t learn
Autistic people can learn, but maybe not in the same way as others. Some struggle with speech, while others find it hard to concentrate. But that doesn’t mean they’re unteachable. Many just need patience, the right learning method, and a supportive environment.
4. Believing vaccines cause autism
One common myth in Nigeria is that childhood vaccines cause autism. This is not true. Medical experts and global research have confirmed there’s no connection between vaccination and autism.
4. Expecting them to ‘snap out of it’
Autism is not a phase. You can’t shout at someone to “stop acting like that” and expect them to change. What you see as stubbornness or rudeness is often their way of expressing distress or confusion. Accept them for who they are and support them to grow.
5. Treating them like a burden
Many parents hide their autistic children out of shame or fear of mockery. But this only hurts the child. Every child deserves love, care, and inclusion, no matter how different they are. Autism is not a punishment; it’s just a different way of seeing the world.
6. Thinking they don’t have feelings
Some people assume autistic individuals don’t feel pain or emotions. That’s false. Many autistic people feel things deeply, they just may not express it in the way you expect. They need empathy, not pity.
7. Using wrong words to describe them
Words matter. Saying someone is “abnormal,” “not okay,” or “spoilt” causes more harm than you realise. The correct term is Autism Spectrum Disorder, not imbecile, dullard, or mad. Respect begins with the words you use.
