FG Moves To Stem Rise In Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

There is a health concern on the laps of the Federal Government: rising prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across the country.

This is why it is now strengthening the country’s community-based care and support services, including support for families and caregivers, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has stated.

In a statement in Abuja, in commemoration of the 2026 World Autism Awareness Day, the minister said available estimates indicate that about one in every 100 children is on the autism spectrum, with emerging national and regional assessments showing thousands of families directly impacted

“This places autism within the broader framework of the care economy, where the burden of care, if not properly supported, can reinforce gender inequality, reduce women’s participation in the labour force and limit household economic stability,” she said.

According to the minister, many cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder remain undiagnosed or are diagnosed late due to limited awareness, stigma and gaps in access to specialised services.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that autism extends beyond individuals to families and society, adding that over 70 per cent of caregiving for children and persons with developmental conditions is provided by women and girls, often unpaid and unrecognised.

According to her, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the 2026 Presidential Declaration as the Year of Families and Social Development, was advancing a structured and inclusive approach under the Nine-Pillar Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RHSII-774).

“Investing in the care economy is not only a social obligation, but also an economic imperative.

“By supporting caregivers through social protection, access to services, skills development, and respite care, we unlock productivity, improve family well-being, and promote inclusive growth,” she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim listed key priorities of the ministry to include

1. the development and awareness creation of the Revised National Child Policy,
2. community-based care and support services
3. advocacy for increased public investment in the care economy.
4. development of national nutrition guidelines,
5. establishment of a dedicated Department of Nutrition, and
6. promotion of nutrient-dense, locally sourced food blends such as Tom Brown.

Informing that plans were underway to establish Tom Brown Centers as community hubs for food distribution and nutrition education, she added:

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“As we mark this important day, I extend my deepest solidarity to all individuals living with autism and their families.

“Your resilience continues to inspire national action, and your rights remain central to our policy commitments,” she said.