At the inaugural Autism Awareness Campaign, hosted by Farida Seth and Stefan from the FSS Foundation, the primary focus was on the importance of providing extra care and support to children with autism. They discussed helping these children acquire skills for future jobs, showing them more love and understanding, and ensuring they feel accepted by the community, just like any other child.
Autism is a spectrum
They also explained that autism can manifest in various ways. Some children experience general delays in their growth and development, while others may have less obvious forms. Some may be very smart but struggle with social skills, like those with Asperger’s, or may seem to be doing well in some areas but still need help, which is called high-functioning autism.
Children with autism can exhibit a wide range of behaviors. Some may have more serious challenges, like those with what’s known as classic autism, which is the most intense form of autism.
For strong, caring parents raising a child with autism, the journey can be full of surprises — sometimes confusing, sometimes eye-opening, and often very demanding. To determine if a child has autism or a similar condition, it’s essential to closely observe their interactions with others, speech or communication patterns, and daily behavior.
Doctors don’t rely on just one test. Instead, they observe how your child behaves and responds in various situations. A group of experts might be involved in this process — including child psychologists, speech therapists, neurologists, special education teachers, and others — all working together to understand your child and give the right kind of help.
A parents experience
One parent shared how difficult and expensive this journey can be. They explained that most families simply can’t afford the therapy their children need. In some cases, just speech therapy alone can cost up to 200,000 naira a month, and that doesn’t include other forms of treatment like occupational therapy.
The parents said that while they are calling on the government for help, they also recognize that they can’t depend entirely on the system. “We are the first therapists,” they said, emphasizing the role parents must play.
They also explained that a big problem is the lack of awareness about autism. They said that many people still wrongly believe that children on the spectrum are “mad,” simply because they don’t understand their behavior. Some school owners, they added, will call parents to come and take their child home just because the child is having a tantrum. Many times, they had to leave work to take care of their child. This was part of the struggle they faced while raising him.
They also spoke about the need for more practical support. That’s why they are advocating for a greater emphasis on vocational training. They suggested that the government should establish schools that teach useful, hands-on skills such as painting, baking, shoemaking, carpentry, and farming. These, they explained, would give autistic children a real chance to succeed in their way.
Real needs of children on the spectrum
This first Autism Awareness Campaign, led by Farida Seth and Stefan of the FSS Foundation, did more than just start a conversation — it opened hearts and minds to the real needs of children on the spectrum and their families.
From diagnosis to daily life, the journey of raising a child with autism is filled with challenges — emotional, financial, and social. Parents are often left to carry the weight, becoming therapists, advocates, and protectors all at once. Their voices remind us that autism is not “madness” — it’s a different way of being, and it deserves respect, understanding, and structured support.
As highlighted in this campaign, vocational training is not a side issue — it’s a powerful way to help autistic individuals build confidence, gain independence, and live meaningful lives. Not every child will follow a traditional academic path, but every child deserves a path that fits.
At Nevada Autism Center, we stand firmly behind this message: Early understanding. Community awareness. Affordable therapy. Inclusive education. And most of all — real opportunities for every child to thrive.
Let’s replace stigma with support, and pity with possibility. Because autism isn’t a limitation — it’s a different way of experiencing the world. And that world is better when we make room for every voice.
