The Unmasking of Autism in South Africa and Nigeria, (2024). Adams S.N.

Open access article: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.2147/NDT.S461650%4010.1080/tfocoll.2024.0.issue-Autism_disorder?needAccess=true

Abstract

This review is of interest to researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals working in the field of autism inAfrica. The review aims to describe autism in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on South Africa and Nigeria regarding prevalence,incidence, identification, treatment, and attitudes towards autistic children. There are several challenges, such as lack of awareness,limited access to professional support and diagnostic tools, and cultural considerations in establishing the autism prevalence in theAfrican region compared to other parts of the world. Additionally, South Africans and Nigerians exhibit diverse perspectives andattitudes that significantly influence the provision of treatment, including stigma and misconceptions held by healthcare professionalsthemselves. As a result, it is difficult to determine prevalence in South Africa and Nigeria. However, research has indicated that autismprevalence is rising globally, and in these contexts. Rising prevalence highlights the need to increase access to services, rehabilitation,and provide support to families of children with autism. Furthermore, research has emphasized the inequitable support and accessavailable to families living in low-and high-income households and the need to provide contextually relevant and responsiveinterventions, education and training, research and policy in these countries.

Citation:  Adams S.N., (2024). The Unmasking of Autism in South Africa and Nigeria, Autism, the Disorder without Borders and Geopolitical Variations, (0): 947-955.