Seek early intervention for special needs children, expert tells parents 

The Lead Facilitator, Gilead Therapy Centre, Ms. Bisola Olufolajimi-Idowu, has urged parents to ensure early intervention for children with special needs to enhance their independence in adulthood.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos, Olufolajimi-Idowu said that the appeal was necessitated because many African and Nigerian parents particularly neglect such children at this critical stage.

Early intervention is a system of services that helps babies and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities.

“Many African parents, especially Nigerians, deny their children of appropriate support, however ‘spiritualise’ the condition to the detriment of the child’s wellbeing.

“There’s no denying the efficacy of prayers but professional support should not be ignored in a child’s life.

“Specific services are provided on a case-by-case basis; some children need physical therapy, others need speech therapy, and others still need disability-specific supports and programmes.

“It’s sad to see some children in poor states because by the time the parents bring them to initiate professional support many of them are grown and little could be done to assist them,” she said.

According to her, early intervention impacts the entire family, and society, and ensures independence which can save the children from being reliant on society later in life.

The special education expert also appealed to the Federal and state governments to create an enabling environment that allows special pupils to thrive academically.

Olufolajimi-Idowu, who is also the Chief Operating Officer, of Great Expectations Private School, noted that inclusive education would only thrive with appropriate educational resources, personnel, and facilities.

According to her, accessibility remains a major challenge as most schools are inaccessible for special needs pupils, thereby hindering them from learning.

“Some schools that the pupils write their exit exams have no ramps, also no provisions are made for pseudo writers for pupils that need them,” she said

Olufolajimi- Idowu said that an enabling environment would impact pupils’ development and well-being, and aid them to achieve a high level of independence and reach their full potential.