Shades of Life Foundation had the honour of being invited to Abia State by the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of the Disabled Persons to speak to various stakeholders with a special focus on autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

During the session, we shared our #KnowTheSigns initiative, a comprehensive program to educate parents, teachers, healthcare providers and caregivers about the early signs of autism and the importance of early diagnosis. Our founder, Dr Eziafakaku Nwokolo, spoke from the heart about her personal journey, the realities of autism, and the importance of early diagnosis, especially for children between the ages of 0 – 5. She highlighted how schoolteachers and parents, who are often the first to notice the signs of a child on the spectrum, can play a vital role in triggering support for the children.

Dr Nwokolo also spoke about the kind of care and interventions that genuinely make a difference in the lives of children and individuals on the spectrum. She emphasised the need for the Abia State Government to introduce specific support systems and structures, such as early intervention programs, inclusive education policies, and community-based support services, to nurture these individuals effectively. In her presentation, she took the opportunity to challenge and correct several long-standing myths surrounding autism and intellectual disabilities, encouraging a shift toward understanding, empathy, and evidence-based care.

In a day of extraordinary vulnerability invoked through sharing personal experiences, one moment in particular summed it all up when a participant stood up and, on behalf of the staff and teachers present, passionately pleaded with the Abia State Government to partner with Shades of Life Foundation to help train teachers across the state. They recognised that what we were sharing was not just helpful but essential and backed by science. It was clear that there was a strong desire to do better for these children, which we were deeply encouraged by. The atmosphere was charged with curiosity, reflection, and hope. A teacher’s words captured the impact of our work: ‘For the first time, I feel equipped to make a real difference in how I approach a child who may be struggling silently, now that I know the signs and the right professionals to reach out to for support.’ Feedback and responses like this inspire our mission.

We are deeply grateful for the warm welcome and the opportunity to contribute to this significant conversation. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR for creating an inspiring enabling environment for inclusive growth; the Special Adviser to the Governor on PWD/Chairman, Abia State Commission for the Welfare of the Disabled Persons, Mr David Anyaele, Commissioner for Persons with Disability, Mr Stanley Onyebuchi, the  Principal Secretary to the Governor & Chief Strategy Officer of Abia State, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, and everyone who made this initial engagement possible. Your continued support and collaboration are invaluable to us.

At Shades of Life Foundation, we are committed to raising awareness, sparking change, and walking alongside communities as they build better support systems for individuals with autism, intellectual disability and related developmental disabilities. We look forward to more collaboration with Abia State and others who are ready to make a real difference.

Every autistic individual deserves to be seen, supported, understood and to live life to their full potential. We will not stop until that becomes a reality.