The annual Autism Awareness Walk, a powerful demonstration of unity and advocacy, took place on Saturday, bringing together a diverse coalition of dedicated professionals, families, and community members. Organized by a collaboration of leading advocates for autism awareness and support, including Bolanle Adewole of The Learning Place Centre & The Learning Initiatives Africa, Dotun Akande of Patrick Speech and Language Centre, Solape Azazi of Cradle Lounge Special Needs Initiative, and Oyinkan Afolabi of Brainy Oaks Education Consultants, the event aimed to shed light on the crucial role of early intervention, inclusion, and empowerment in the lives of autistic children and individuals. The walk served as a platform to amplify the voices of those championing a society where neurodiversity is not just tolerated, but celebrated and embraced as a valuable aspect of human experience.
Beginning in Ikoyi and culminating at The Learning Place, the 4.5km walk traced a path towards greater understanding and acceptance of autism. More than just a physical journey, the walk symbolized the ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive practices and empowering families, educators, and communities to effectively support neurodivergent individuals. The event also provided a valuable opportunity for networking and community building, further solidifying the support network for autistic individuals and their families. The combination of physical activity and meaningful engagement created an atmosphere of solidarity and collective action, reinforcing the message that together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for all.
The community session, held following the walk, provided a space for reflection and dialogue, featuring inspiring insights from professionals in the field of autism spectrum disorder. Among the highlights was a compelling welcome address delivered by Bolanle Adewole, Executive Director of The Learning Place Centre, which set the tone for a day of learning, sharing, and advocacy. Equally impactful was the community address by Oyinkan Afolabi, Founder and Lead Consultant of Brainy Oaks Education Consultants, who emphasized the critical importance of early intervention in maximizing the potential of autistic children. Afolabi also underscored the imperative of societal acceptance and the creation of environments where neurodiversity is not merely acknowledged, but actively valued and supported.
Central to Afolabi’s message was the call for a shift in perspective. Challenging the prevailing focus on teaching autistic individuals how to navigate a neurotypical world, she posed a crucial question: “Why don’t we spend time teaching others how to interact with them?” This insightful reframing highlights the need for reciprocal understanding and a move towards a society where neurodiversity is seen not as a deficit, but as a difference to be embraced. Afolabi advocated for a paradigm shift in the way we perceive and interact with autistic individuals, emphasizing the importance of building bridges of understanding and fostering genuine connection.
This year’s Autism Awareness Walk underscored the urgent need for widespread autism awareness training in schools, workplaces, and community institutions. Building on the success of previous events, the walk served as a catalyst for change, promoting the development of inclusive practices and policies that support neurodivergent individuals in every facet of life. A key focus of the initiative remains the empowerment of twice-exceptional (2E) individuals—those who possess both giftedness and neurodivergence—by advocating for systems that recognize and nurture their unique strengths while providing necessary accommodations for their challenges. This focus on recognizing and supporting the full potential of 2E individuals is vital for ensuring that their talents are not overlooked or overshadowed by their neurodivergence.
The unwavering dedication of the Brainy Oaks Education Consultants team in training educators, supporting schools and families, and advocating for inclusive educational practices and policies was recognized and commended. Their tireless efforts reflect a deep commitment to fostering environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The organizers also expressed sincere gratitude to the representatives of the First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwoolu, whose presence and support further amplified the importance of the event. Finally, the collective appreciation extended to all participants who contributed to making the walk a resounding success, a powerful testament to the growing awareness, acceptance, and support for neurodiversity in society. The walk not only raised awareness but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose, uniting individuals in the common goal of creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
