3,200 Nigerian children with Autism Spectrum Disorders have benefited from the GTbank’s free one-on-one consultation services and special programme, the bank said on Tuesday.
This was revealed in Lagos at the 8th Annual Autism programme of the bank which ran from 17th to 18th July 2018. The bank disclosed during the programme that over 10,000 people have participated and more than 14,000 trained on how to manage Autism.
There has been a rising level of awareness about children living with Autism, so this year, the theme was carefully selected to shed more light on children living with this special need.
“They are just as much the leader of tomorrow, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they reach their full potential,” he stated.
The CEO implored participants and stakeholders in the society to join the organisation, which is passionate about helping young people thrive, to create a society, which is not only safe for children living with Autism but also stimulating for them and ultimately seeing that these special kids grow into adults who will add value to the society.
According to Agbaje, GTBank is committed to creating partnerships for sustainable development and adding value to its communities. The Autism Awareness initiative is one of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibilities.
To drive home the theme of the conference, the bank featured speakers, medical experts and child advocates who gave snapshots of the most transformative ideas of attending to children with this special need.
The speakers included Joyce Onofowoka, Early Intervention Professional and special adviser to Lagos state governor on special development; Dotun Akande, Advance certified Autism specialist and director, Patrick Speech & Languages Center, Lagos; Camille Proctor, Executive director, The Colour of Autism Foundation and Maimunat Kadijat, Psychiatrist and medical director, Pinnacle Medical Services.
The GTBank Autism Programme is an annual programme aimed at enlightening parents, teachers, caregivers and the general public about Autism Spectrum Disorder and how to live with and accept people living with autism.