ALTBANK LAUNCHES ‘IT’S HOW YOU SHOW UP’ TO CLOSE AUTISM DIAGNOSIS GAP IN NIGERIA

ALTBANK LAUNCHES ‘IT’S HOW YOU SHOW UP’ TO CLOSE AUTISM DIAGNOSIS GAP IN NIGERIA

By prince Benson Davies

A critical diagnosis gap in Nigeria currently leaves the vast majority of children on the autism spectrum without access to early intervention. This failure to identify neurodiversity at an early stage creates significant long term consequences for families and the national healthcare system, as many children miss the window for effective support.

In response, The Alternative Bank (AltBank) has launched its 2026 World Autism Month campaign, ‘It’s How You Show Up’, in partnership with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), Sterling One Foundation, and Eliakim Foundation.

While conservative estimates suggest that over 600,000 Nigerian children are on the autism spectrum, infrastructure gaps mean most lack a formal diagnosis. Research indicates that children typically present for clinical services at an average age of seven, well past the window for effective early intervention. This is further complicated by a severe shortage of specialists, with fewer than 200 psychiatrists currently serving a national population of over 200 million.

The ‘It’s How You Show Up’ campaign is a direct response to these systemic barriers. The initiative targets four measurable outcomes: