By Iyabo Lawal
The wife of Lagos State governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has emphasised the need for teachers and carers to adopt alternative communication methods for children with special needs, particularly those suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
She specifically canvassed the inclusion of local content, including visuals and sounds, as part of communication strategies based on the unique strengths and challenges of children with special needs. 
She also stressed the need to educate communities on alternative communication methods, while enjoining parents to manage their emotions for children with special needs.
Speaking at the 14th Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) yearly Autism conference, themed: “A spectrum of possibilities, Sanwo-Olu said such teachings was necessary for children with autism towards independent living and social inclusion.
The two-day conference brought together parents, children with ASD, as well as local and international experts to discuss autism management.
Sanwo-Olu urged stakeholders, including GTCO, to ensure the programme’s sustainability following its significant impact on raising awareness and educating the public. She further acknowledged the challenges faced by parents due to speech difficulties and communication limitations in children with ASD.
She highlighted the need for alternative communication tools and teaching methods. Sanwo-Olu also proposed incorporating clear and concise messaging in public spaces like hotels, restaurants, and universities.
This, according to her, could include pictures and other non-verbal communication tools, commonly used abroad to cater to individuals with autism and developmental challenges.
On sustainability and support for caregivers, she commended GTCO for its commitment to the annual conference, emphasising its importance in raising awareness and providing continuity in supporting those with ASD.
Applauding caregivers for their dedication, Sanwo-Olu stressed the need for “keeping it simple and short” (KISS) when interacting with children with autism.
On importance of visual aids and personalised strategies, Sanwo-Olu suggested readily downloadable pictures from the internet or creating locally relevant visuals to enhance communication.
A speech and Language, Therapist, Eniola Lahanmi, addressed the audience on the importance of personalised strategies based on individual strengths and challenges.
Lahanmi emphasised comprehensive assessments and pairing verbal instructions with visual aids for effective communication, stressing that the conference is aimed at empowering individuals with autism to succeed and lead fulfilling lives by recognising autism as a strength, not a weakness.
Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, Segun Agbaje, said the programme was to empower individuals with autism to succeed and lead fulfilling lives.
The programme is a flagship project under the Orange Ribbon Initiative, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of the financial institution, focused on advocacy programmes to support children with developmental disabilities.