Sen Natasha’s Bill for establishment of National Autism Centers passes first reading
Omeiza Bilal
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has sponsored a bill for the establishment of National and Regional Centers for Autism across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The bill which has passed first reading in the Senate seeks to create a sustainable institutional framework to equip these centers to provide diagnosis, therapy, and rehabilitation for both children and adults living with autism.
According to the bill, the National Center for Autism will be headquartered in Abuja, with six regional centers located across the country’s six geopolitical zones. These centers will coordinate with existing diagnostic facilities to offer genetic screening, parental education, and early therapy programs for children, particularly those under the age of five.
In addition to early intervention, the centers will also provide vocational training for adults with autism, facilitate employment opportunities, and offer counseling and orientation programs for parents and caregivers.
The initiative will bridge a critical gap by providing a federal response to a growing developmental and public health challenge. The bill aims to promote inclusion, ensure equitable access to specialized care, and support families through education and counseling.
Commenting on the bill via her official social media handle, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described it as “a significant step toward inclusion and care.” She explained that the proposed centers would serve as hubs for research, diagnosis, therapy, and support for individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
She stressed the importance of early intervention, noting that timely detection and therapy for children under five could transform outcomes for thousands of Nigerian families.
“Like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, Lionel Messi, Tim Burton, Bobby Fischer, Temple Grandin, and other autistic geniuses, every Nigerian child deserves access to specialized health and educational care as well as support. This bill is a promise to make that a reality,” she said.
The bill aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the National Policy on Inclusive Education.
