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Autism and ADHD Therapy Centre, NNPC QUARTER GARKI, Abuja (2025)

22/10/2025

The Emotional Side of Raising a Child with Special Needs

Raising a child with special needs is a journey filled with deep emotions, love, hope, worry, pride, and sometimes pain. It’s a path that stretches the heart in ways that words can hardly express.

At first, many parents face feelings of shock, denial, or confusion when they learn of their child’s diagnosis. Questions arise, “Why me?” “What did I do wrong?” “Will my child ever be okay?” These emotions are valid. They reflect the deep love and dreams every parent holds for their child.

As time goes on, acceptance begins to bloom. Parents start to see the beauty in their child’s uniqueness—the way they smile, express joy, or achieve milestones at their own pace. Every little progress becomes a big celebration. You learn to find strength in patience and courage in the face of uncertainty.

Yet, the emotional journey doesn’t end there. There are moments of exhaustion, frustration, and even isolation. Watching your child struggle in a world that doesn’t always understand them can be heartbreaking. But there’s also immense joy, the kind that comes from unconditional love, from seeing your child laugh, and from the powerful bond that grows through every challenge.

Through it all, parents of special needs children discover something profound: resilience. They learn to find hope in small victories, beauty in differences, and strength they never knew they had.

Raising a child with special needs isn’t just about guiding them, it’s about being transformed by their love, their courage, and their unique way of seeing the world.

12/10/2025

Therapies for children on the autism spectrum.

CORE THERAPIES

These are the most essential and evidence based therapies that directly target communication, behavior, and daily living skills.

1. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Builds positive behaviors and reduces challenging ones.

Teaches communication, attention, social, and learning skills using structured methods and rewards.

2. Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)

Improves a child’s ability to communicate , whether through speech, gestures, or alternative systems
Helps with articulation, understanding words, and expressing needs.

3. Occupational Therapy (OT)

Focuses on independence in daily life.
Helps children with motor coordination, sensory processing, self-help skills (eating, dressing), and hand-eye coordination.

4. Social Skills Training

Teaches children how to play, take turns, make friends, and read social cues.

Often done in small groups to practice real-life interaction.

5. Play Therapy

Helps children learn through structured play.

Encourages imagination, emotional expression, and connection.

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

These therapies support emotional, sensory, and physical well-being , they work best when combined with core therapies.

6. Sensory Integration Therapy
Helps children who are overly sensitive (or under-sensitive) to sound, touch, or movement.

Uses swings, textures, and other sensory tools to help the child feel calm and focused.

7. Physical Therapy (PT)

Improves gross motor skills such as walking, running, jumping, and coordination.
Especially helpful for children with low muscle tone or poor balance.

8. Music Therapy
Uses rhythm and music to build attention, communication, and social interaction.
Encourages children to express themselves in fun, nonverbal

05/10/2025

The Effects of Autism on Children in Academic Settings

5. Emotional and Psychological Effects

Repeated social rejection, communication failures, or misunderstanding by teachers can negatively impact the self-esteem and motivation of autistic learners. They may experience anxiety, stress, or depression, which further interferes with concentration and learning outcomes.

6. Teacher and Classroom Factors

Teachers’ understanding of autism plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s academic experience. Inadequate training, large class sizes, and lack of individualized support can make inclusion challenging. However, with proper awareness, individualized education plans (IEPs), and a supportive learning environment, autistic children can thrive academically and socially.

7. Positive Outcomes with Support

When schools implement inclusive strategies, such as visual supports, structured routines, sensory-friendly classrooms, and individualized teaching approaches, autistic students often show remarkable progress. Early intervention, collaboration between teachers and parents, and specialized therapies (speech, occupational, behavioral) contribute greatly to their success.

05/10/2025

The Effects of Autism on Children in Academic Settings

Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition characterized by challenges in communication, social interaction, and behavior. It affects how children perceive the world and engage with others. In academic settings, these characteristics often influence how autistic children learn, interact with teachers and peers, and respond to classroom demands.

1. Communication Challenges

One of the most significant effects of autism in academic settings is difficulty with communication. Many autistic children struggle with expressive and receptive language, making it hard for them to understand instructions or express their needs. This can lead to frustration, withdrawal, or behavioral outbursts. Limited verbal skills may also affect participation in classroom discussions and group activities.

2. Social Interaction Difficulties

Autistic children often find it challenging to form social relationships with peers and teachers. They may not understand social cues, facial expressions, or body language, leading to misunderstandings and social isolation. This can affect their emotional well-being and limit opportunities for collaborative learning, which is essential in modern educational environments.

3. Behavioral and Sensory Issues

Many children with autism exhibit repetitive behaviors, rigid routines, or sensory sensitivities. Bright lights, loud noises, or crowded classrooms can be overwhelming, leading to meltdowns or withdrawal. These behaviors can be misinterpreted as defiance or lack of attention, resulting in disciplinary measures rather than supportive interventions.

4. Academic Performance

Autistic children often show uneven academic performance. Some may excel in specific areas such as mathematics, art, or memory-based tasks, while struggling in language-based or social subjects. Executive functioning difficulties, such as problems with organization, time manag

01/10/2025

Happy Independence Day, my beautiful and brilliant children! 💚🤍💚

Today, we celebrate the strength, freedom, and rich history of our beloved country, Nigeria. But more than that, I want to celebrate you, each of you, with your unique abilities, your big hearts, and your unstoppable spirits.

Just like Nigeria, you are strong. Just like Nigeria, you are full of potential. And just like Nigeria, you shine with promise for a bright and beautiful future.

Never forget: You are important. You are capable. You are loved. Your journey may be different, but it is powerful and filled with purpose.

As we raise our flags high today, we also raise our hopes, our dreams, and our voices, because Nigeria is not complete without you.

Keep believing in yourself. Keep trying. Keep shining.

Happy Independence Day, my stars! Naija for you, Naija for me, Naija for all of us! 🇳🇬

05/09/2025

My Choice of Work as a Special Needs Therapist and Its Impact on My Mental Health

Becoming a special needs therapist was a choice rooted in love, compassion, and the desire to support children and families who face unique challenges. Each day, I witness small victories, resilience, and progress that remind me why I chose this path. It is deeply rewarding to know that my work helps children unlock potential and empowers families to find hope.

However, behind this sense of purpose lies a heavy emotional weight. The constant responsibility of being patient, empathetic, and strong for others often leaves me drained. I carry the emotions of the children I support and the struggles of their families, sometimes more than I should. Over time, the mental and emotional demands of this work have begun to affect my own well-being.

There are days when I feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or emotionally stretched beyond measure. As much as I give to others, I am learning that I must also give to myself. My mental health matters, too. Recognizing this has been difficult but necessary.

This journey has taught me that being a therapist does not mean being invincible. It means being human, capable of compassion, but also vulnerable to burnout. I am learning the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support so that I can continue to serve with the passion that first drew me to this work.

Acknowledging that my work affects my mental health is not a sign of weakness, but of courage. It is a reminder that caring for myself allows me to better care for those who need me most.

03/09/2025

Many autistic children and young people have gone on to do amazing things, breaking barriers and showing the world their unique talents. Here are a few inspiring examples:

1. Temple Grandin (USA) . Though now an adult, Temple was diagnosed with autism as a child. She became a professor of animal science, an inventor, and a global autism advocate.

2. Jacob Barnett (USA). Diagnosed with autism at age 2 and told he might never learn to read, Jacob later became a child prodigy in mathematics and physics, entering university at just 10 years old.

3. Kerrigan Behrens (UK). A young autistic artist whose paintings have been exhibited internationally, showing how creativity can thrive outside traditional communication.

4. Kayla Cromer (USA). Diagnosed with autism as a child, she became the first autistic actress to play a lead role as an autistic character on television (Everything’s Gonna Be Okay).

5. Isaac Lawton (Australia). A teenager with autism who became a coding and robotics champion, representing his country in international competitions.

6. Naoki Higashida (Japan). Diagnosed with severe autism, he wrote The Reason I Jump at just 13 years old, offering the world deep insights into the autistic mind.

7. Dillon Helbig (USA, age 8). An autistic boy who secretly placed his handwritten book in a library. It became so popular that there’s now a waiting list of hundreds to read it.

Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke (Nigeria). Guinness World Record Artist
At just 15 years old, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke created an incredible painting on a canvas measuring 12,304 square meters, bigger than a soccer field. The artwork, featuring a rainbow-colored autism ribbon surrounded by emojis, was created to raise awareness and funds for autism support through the Zeebah Foundation. It was officially recognized by Guinness World Records in Abuja during World Autism Acceptance Day in April 2025 .

He’s also exhibited internationally, including a solo booth at Art Vancouver, where

20/08/2025

Special Needs Parents Have Special Needs Too
When we talk about “special needs,” our minds often go straight to children who require extra support in their daily lives, learning, or development. But what we sometimes overlook is that parents of children with special needs also have special needs of their own.
Caring for a child with disabilities, autism, ADHD, or other developmental challenges is a journey that demands patience, resilience, and unconditional love. However, this journey also places unique emotional, financial, and social pressures on parents. They must navigate therapy sessions, endless medical appointments, school advocacy, financial strain, & often, the isolation that comes when others don’t fully understand their struggles.
Because of these challenges, special needs parents themselves require:
Emotional Support: Many live with stress, anxiety, & burnout. They need spaces to share their feelings without judgment and to receive encouragement.
Financial Support: The cost of therapies, special education & medical care can be overwhelming. Parents need resources and systems that ease this burden.
Social Support: Friendships and family relationships may change. Support groups and inclusive communities help parents know they are not alone.
Rest and Respite: Caring 24/7 can be exhausting. Parents need time to recharge so they can continue giving their best to their children.
Recognition:Society must acknowledge that their role is both demanding and extraordinary. Validation and appreciation go a long way in keeping their spirits strong.
Just as every child is unique, every parent’s experience is also unique. Some may silently carry the weight of guilt, frustration, or self-doubt, while others may feel invisible as all attention is placed on the child. But in truth, a parent’s well-being directly affects the child’s well-being. When parents are supported, empowered, and cared for, they can better provide the nurturing and stability their children's needs.

18/08/2025

An autistic child may have a mismatch between chronological and developmental age. for example:
A child may be 10 years old chronologically, but may show language skills of a 6-year-old,
Social interaction of a 5-year-old, And mathematical ability of a 12-year-old.
This uneven profile is called “developmental asynchrony” meaning the child develops at different rates in different areas.

Autism and ADHD Therapy Centre

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