Autism foundation provides free screening for children

As part of activities marking this year’s Children’s Day, the FOS Autism Foundation recently organised a one-day free neuro-developmental screening and consultation programme in Ikorodu, Lagos, aimed at improving autism awareness and early intervention for children with special needs.

The outreach, which attracted over 70 children alongside parents, guardians and caregivers, featured a team of medical and developmental specialists, including a consultant paediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, behaviour analysts, speech therapists and occupational therapists.

The programme focused on autism awareness, early screening, counselling and equipping parents with practical strategies to better support children with developmental challenges.

In a statement shared with Society Plus, the founder of the FOS Autism Foundation, Osezusi Bolodeoku, said the initiative was driven by the need to make essential support services accessible to families who may not be able to afford professional care.

She explained that many parents lack access to specialised intervention due to cost, adding that early guidance can significantly improve outcomes for children.

“As professionals, accessing this kind of support requires significant financial capability. So what happens to children whose families cannot afford it?” she said.

Bolodeoku, a behavioural analyst and educational psychologist, noted that her personal experience as a parent of a child with ADHD also inspired her advocacy, stressing that parents can make meaningful progress when equipped with the right tools.

She added that Ikorodu was selected for the outreach due to the high number of children in the area who require developmental support, noting that while government efforts in special education are commendable, more collaboration is still needed from private initiatives.

Bolodeoku also addressed misconceptions surrounding autism, stressing that it is not a disease or a “death sentence,” but a developmental condition that benefits greatly from early intervention.

According to her, the foundation has also created support groups where parents can interact with professionals, receive guidance and follow up on their children’s progress over time.

“Families are not leaving empty-handed. They are going home with recommendations and strategies, and they will continue to receive support and follow-up,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, behaviour analyst Priscilla Ahaiwe-Okeke described the initiative as impactful, noting that access to therapy and assessment remains expensive for many families.

She said the outreach provided parents with practical, home-based strategies to support their children while they await more structured interventions.