Judul : Stakeholders push AI adoption in autism education
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Stakeholders push AI adoption in autism education
Stakeholders have called for the adoption of artificial intelligence in special education to better support children on the autism spectrum, particularly in underserved communities across Nigeria.
This call was made by the Executive Director of the Education for Autism Initiative, Oyeyemi Patricia Adako, during the 15th Annual Autism Conference organised by the Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc in Lagos.
Speaking on the topic ‘Unlocking Silent Potentials: Harnessing AI to Transform Autism Education,’ Adako said AI could revolutionise the way children with autism learn by offering personalised, adaptive education that traditional classrooms often fail to provide.
“AI has the potential to become the key for millions of neurodiverse learners, especially in communities where access to specialised support is limited,” she told the forum recently.
According to the Executive Director, overcrowded classrooms, rigid curricula, and the lack of trained teachers have left many children with autism behind, noting that AI presents an opportunity to bridge this gap by tailoring educational content to individual needs.
Drawing inspiration from the story of Helen Keller, Adako explained that no child is unteachable if the right key is found.
“Just as Anne Sullivan’s innovation unlocked Helen Keller’s potential, AI offers a new frontier for personalised learning. One size does not fit all in autism education,” she added.
As part of this year’s conference theme, ‘From Awareness to Action: 15 Years of Advancing Autism Inclusion,’ the event brought together educators, families, advocates, and technology experts to discuss innovative ways to support autism learning in Nigeria.
Adako challenged Nigerian developers to build culturally relevant AI tools for neurodiverse learners: “What if Nigerian developers built AI tools that understand our local contexts? What if every teacher had access to at least one assistive technology? This is not just about technology; it’s about inclusion.”
She also highlighted challenges, such as cost, lack of teacher training, and infrastructure deficits, including unreliable electricity and internet access, which hinder the adoption of AI in education.
To address these barriers, the Executive Director proposed actionable steps for schools, NGOs, and policymakers. She advised starting with low-cost AI tools in after-school programmes, training at least one teacher or caregiver per community, and using offline devices where possible.
For policymakers and partners, she recommended funding local research, supporting the development of homegrown solutions, equipping teacher training colleges with the right tools, and fostering public-private partnerships to drive innovation.
“AI can help us see the learner, not just the diagnosis. Inclusive technology is not a luxury; it is a right,” Adako concluded.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, Mr. Segun Agbaje, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to promoting inclusion.
“What started as a simple but focused effort has grown into a movement that shapes how we advocate, listen, and respond. This year’s theme challenges us to do more to move beyond awareness and truly empower individuals on the autism spectrum,” he said.
Since its inception in 2009, GTCO’s Autism Programme, under the Orange Ribbon Initiative, has provided free consultations, therapy sessions, training workshops, and an annual conference that continues to lead advocacy efforts in Nigeria and across Africa.
Also speaking at the event, the founder of All Behaviour Consultancy, United Kingdom, Georgiana Koyama, emphasised the need for inclusive systems built on dignity and autonomy.
“True inclusion starts with psychological safety. We must build environments where children are not only supported but also seen, heard, and valued,” she said.
Joining virtually from the United States, the Director of ABA Services, Owen Health Care, New Jersey, Mrs. Camiella Hay, advocated for autism care that reflects local realities while embracing global best practices.
“Autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition. What works in one region may not work in another. We must build solutions that are both globally informed and locally grounded,” she said.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).Demikianlah Artikel Stakeholders push AI adoption in autism education
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