By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has unveiled plans to host the 16th edition of its Annual Autism Conference alongside free one-on-one consultations for families, as part of efforts to deepen autism awareness, promote inclusion and improve access to professional support for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).
The two-day conference, themed “Acceptance in Action: From Family to Classroom to Workplace to Public Spaces,” is scheduled to hold on July 27 and 28, 2026, at the Muson Centre, Lagos, while the free consultations will run from July 29 to August 1 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.
GTCO announced the programme in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the initiative underscores its long-standing commitment to autism advocacy through developmental support, professional guidance and learning opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
According to the company, this year’s conference will bring together healthcare professionals, therapists, educators, policymakers, caregivers and families to explore practical ways of fostering inclusion in homes, schools, workplaces and public spaces.
The statement added that participants would benefit from expert-led panel discussions, workshops and free consultation sessions handled by leading local and international specialists in developmental and behavioural sciences. The sessions will focus on early intervention, behavioural therapy, communication strategies, inclusive education and caregiver support.
GTCO also disclosed that the programme would extend to Ghana, where a workshop will hold on August 4 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, followed by free consultation sessions from August 5 to 8 at the same venue.
Speaking on the initiative, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said the programme had continued to provide hope and support for families navigating the challenges of autism.
“Sixteen years ago, we set out to help families navigate a journey that too often felt isolating. Today, this programme stands as proof of what sustained commitment can achieve. This year’s theme, ‘Acceptance in Action,’ challenges all of us to move past good intentions and start making inclusion visible, in the way we design our schools, structure our workplaces, and welcome one another in public spaces.”
He stressed that creating an inclusive society requires a collective commitment from families, educators, employers and policymakers.
“No single institution can build an inclusive society alone. It takes families willing to advocate, educators willing to adapt, employers willing to open doors, and policymakers willing to act. Our role is to keep bringing the right expertise and resources to the table, so that every individual on the autism spectrum has a genuine chance to participate fully and confidently in everyday life.”
The company noted that the GTCO Autism Programme has evolved into one of West Africa’s leading autism advocacy platforms, fostering greater awareness, acceptance and collaboration among stakeholders while providing families with access to professional support and intervention services.
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… reposted this!