A paediatrician at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Usman Ibrahim, has urged parents to seek early medical assessment for children showing possible signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), stressing that early intervention can improve communication, social interaction and daily living skills.
Ibrahim, a Senior Registrar in Paediatrics, explained that autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction and responses to the environment. He said signs such as poor response to name by one year, delayed speech, limited eye contact, repetitive behaviour and developmental regression may warrant further evaluation, although they do not by themselves confirm autism.
According to him, most cases can be diagnosed between 18 and 24 months, while milder forms may not become obvious until adolescence or adulthood. He said available interventions, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and Applied Behaviour Analysis, should be tailored to each child’s needs and started as early as possible.
The paediatrician also dismissed claims that vaccines, poor parenting or witchcraft cause autism, describing such beliefs as misconceptions. He urged parents to rely on qualified health professionals, support affected children with patience, encourage communication and independence, and avoid abandoning evidence-based therapies for unproven or mythical treatments.
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