How to Get an Autism Assessment in Nigeria: A Parent's Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get an Autism Assessment in Nigeria

If you have concerns about your child's development, getting an autism assessment can be one of the most important steps you take. Many parents notice signs such as delayed speech, poor eye contact, repetitive behaviours, or difficulty interacting with others but are unsure where to turn for help.

In Nigeria, autism assessments are becoming more available, although access can still vary depending on your location. Understanding the process can help you seek support sooner and make informed decisions for your child.

What Is an Autism Assessment?

An autism assessment is a comprehensive evaluation used to determine whether a child meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The assessment typically looks at:

• - Social communication skills
• - Language development
• - Behaviour patterns
• - Play skills
• - Sensory responses
• - Developmental history
• - Daily functioning

The goal is not simply to give a diagnosis but to understand your child's strengths, challenges, and support needs.

When Should You Seek an Autism Assessment?

You should consider seeking an assessment if your child shows signs such as:

• - Delayed speech or language development
• - Limited eye contact
• - Not responding consistently to their name
• - Difficulty interacting with peers
• - Repetitive movements such as hand flapping or rocking
• - Strong attachment to routines
• - Unusual reactions to sounds, textures, or lights
• - Loss of previously acquired skills

Trust your instincts as a parent. If something about your child's development concerns you, it is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Who Can Diagnose Autism in Nigeria?

Autism diagnosis is usually made by qualified healthcare professionals with experience in developmental disorders.

These may include:

• - Developmental paediatricians
• - Paediatric neurologists
• - Child psychiatrists
• - Clinical psychologists working within a multidisciplinary team

In many centres, diagnosis involves input from more than one professional because autism affects multiple areas of development.

Where Can You Get an Autism Assessment in Nigeria?

Autism assessments are commonly available in:

Teaching Hospitals

Many federal and state teaching hospitals have developmental clinics, paediatric neurology clinics, child psychiatry services, or child development units.

Examples include major teaching hospitals in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Enugu, Benin, Kano, Port Harcourt, and other large cities.

Specialist Child Development Centres

Some private centres offer developmental assessments conducted by psychologists, paediatricians, speech therapists, and other specialists.

Private Paediatric Neurology and Child Psychiatry Clinics

Some specialists provide autism evaluations in private practice settings.

Availability varies by state, and waiting times may differ significantly.

What Happens During an Autism Assessment?

Although the process varies between centres, most assessments include several components.

1. Parent Interview

You will be asked questions about:

• - Pregnancy and birth history
• - Early developmental milestones
• - Communication skills
• - Behaviour concerns
• - Medical history
• - Family history

Your observations as a parent are extremely valuable during this stage.

2. Observation of the Child

The clinician observes how your child:

• - Communicates
• - Plays
• - Interacts socially
• - Responds to instructions
• - Uses gestures and eye contact

Younger children may be observed during play-based activities.

3. Developmental Assessment

The child's developmental skills may be evaluated in areas such as:

• - Language
• - Cognition
• - Motor skills
• - Adaptive functioning

4. Additional Evaluations

Some children may benefit from:

• - Hearing assessment
• - Speech and language evaluation
• - Psychological testing
• - Educational assessment

These tests help identify other conditions that may affect development.

How Long Does the Assessment Take?

Some assessments can be completed in a single visit, while others may require multiple appointments.

The exact timeline depends on:

• - The child's age
• - Complexity of concerns
• - Availability of specialists
• - Additional testing required

What Should You Bring to the Appointment?

Helpful items include:

• - Previous medical reports
• - Immunization records
• - School reports
• - Therapy reports
• - Videos showing behaviours of concern
• - A list of questions you would like answered

These records can provide valuable information to the assessment team.

What Happens After the Assessment?

After the evaluation, the clinician will discuss the findings with you.

If your child meets criteria for autism, you may receive recommendations regarding:

• - Speech and language therapy
• - Behavioural interventions
• - Educational support
• - Occupational therapy
• - Parent training programs
• - Medical follow-up when necessary

Remember that a diagnosis is not the end of the journey. It is often the beginning of accessing appropriate support and services.

Does an Autism Diagnosis Change Your Child?

No.

An assessment does not change who your child is.

Instead, it helps explain your child's developmental profile and provides a roadmap for support. Many parents report feeling relieved after receiving answers because they finally understand their child's challenges and can move forward with greater confidence.

Conclusion

If you suspect your child may have autism, seeking an assessment early can help identify support needs and guide intervention planning. While navigating the healthcare system in Nigeria can sometimes feel overwhelming, many families successfully obtain evaluations and access services that improve outcomes for their children.

If you have concerns about your child's development, consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional and requesting a developmental evaluation. Early identification can make a meaningful difference in helping children reach their full potential.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed., Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2022.

2. Hyman SL, Levy SE, Myers SM. Identification, evaluation, and management of children with autism spectrum disorder. Pediatrics. 2020;145(1):e20193447.

3. World Health Organization. Autism spectrum disorders. Geneva: WHO; 2023.

4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis. London: NICE; 2017.