Autism is not a death sentence

By Marvelous Ihotu Ogebe, SS3 Student, Lordswill Academy, Abuja

I have never lived with anyone who has autism, but I have seen people with the condition in my community, and I have friends whose siblings are autistic. This has made me curious and concerned because of how I have seen them treated by society and, in some cases, by their own families.

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I rarely see them playing with other children or going out to interact with others. This left me confused and worried, so I decided to learn more about autism and understand why people living with the condition are often treated unfairly or isolated from the rest of the community.

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world around them. It is called a “spectrum” because every autistic person is unique. Some people with autism require significant support in their daily lives, while others live independently, and you may not even realise they are autistic. This is because autism affects people in different ways.

From my research, I discovered that autism is not an illness that can be caught or cured. It is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. That is why I want to educate my community, as well as parents and siblings of children with autism, that it is not a death sentence.

People living with autism can live happy and fulfilling lives, just like everyone else. They can attend school, make friends, pursue careers, and contribute meaningfully to society. However, this begins with all of us creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for them.

Some autistic people may be sensitive to loud noises, bright lights or changes in routine. Others may have exceptional talents in areas such as mathematics, music, art, fashion, baking or technology. With patience, understanding and the right support, they can thrive academically, socially and professionally, becoming outstanding in their chosen fields.

It is time we replace ignorance with understanding. Ignorance creates barriers, but understanding builds bridges and helps everyone feel accepted and valued.

Let us remember that autism is not a death sentence. It is a neurodevelopmental condition, and people living with autism deserve the same love, respect, opportunities and acceptance as everyone else.