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AI Can Unlock Silent Potentials In Autism Education – Adako
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize autism education, moving beyond traditional limitations to unlock the unique learning potentials of every child on the spectrum.
This was the key message from Oyeyemi Patricia Adako, Executive Director of the Education for Autism Initiative, during the Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), 15th Annual Autism Conference in Lagos.
The conference has a strong spotlight on the power of AI to transform the educational experiences of children on the autism spectrum.
In her presentation, titled “Unlocking Silent Potentials: Harnessing AI to Transform Autism Education”, Adako stated: “AI has the potential to become the key for millions of neurodiverse learners, especially in underserved communities where traditional educational models fall short.”
As part of this year’s conference themed: “From Awareness to Action: 15 Years of Advancing Autism Inclusion,” the event brought together thought leaders, educators, families, and advocates to chart a new path for inclusive education through innovation.
Adako drew inspiration from the story of Helen Keller to illustrate that no child is unteachable if the right key is found. In today’s world, AI could be that key.
She explained, “Just as Anne Sullivan’s patience and innovation broke through for Helen Keller, AI offers a new frontier for personalized learning, recognizing that one size doesn’t fit all in autism education.”
She outlined how overcrowded classrooms, rigid curricula, and lack of specialized support have left neurodiverse children behind in conventional settings.
Emphasizing the power of AI in transforming special education, Adako stated: “AI has the potential to become the key that unlocks learning for millions of neurodiverse learners, especially in underserved communities where traditional educational models fall short.”
“Traditional classrooms often struggle to accommodate the wide-ranging needs of neurodiverse students, leading to situations where children shut down in class, according to feedback from teachers and parents.
This is where AI steps in, offering adaptive solutions that traditional systems cannot”.
“The promise of AI lies in its ability to learn, adapt, and support,” Adako stated.
“AI can mimic aspects of human intelligence, such as learning and decision-making, transforming fields from medicine to education and enabling personalized solutions for complex problems.
The same intelligence driving global innovation can drive inclusion,” she added.
She also posed a provocative vision for the future: “What if Nigerian developers built culturally aware AI tools? What if every teacher had access to at least one assistive technology? This is not just about technology, it’s about building inclusive systems that see the learner, not just the diagnosis.”
Despite the immense potential, challenges such as cost, lack of teacher training, Western-centric tools, and infrastructure issues like electricity and internet access persist, particularly in underserved communities.
Adako outlined actionable steps for various stakeholders: For Schools and NGOs, she advised they should start with low-cost tools in after-school programs, train at least one teacher or caregiver per community, utilize devices offline where feasible and establish feedback loops between users and developers.
For Policymakers and Partners, she urged them to fund local research and the development of homegrown tools, support policies that promote inclusive educational technology, equip teacher training colleges with the necessary resources. and foster public-private partnerships to drive innovation and accessibility.
“AI can help us see the learnernot just the diagnosis.
Inclusive technology is not a luxury, it is a right. Let us work together to make this vision a reality”, Adako concluded.
Earlier, in his welcome address, GTCO Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Agbaje, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusive progress:
“What started as a simple but focused effort has grown to shape how we advocate, how we listen, and how we respond. This year’s theme challenges us to do more, go beyond awareness and truly empower and celebrate individuals on the autism spectrum.”
Since its inception in 2009, the GTCO Autism Programme, under the Orange Ribbon Initiative, has provided free consultations, therapy sessions, training workshops, and an annual conference that continues to set the pace in autism advocacy in Nigeria and across Africa.
Adding international depth to the discussions were Georgiana Koyama and Camiella Hay, two globally respected voices in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
Koyama, a UK-based Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst and founder of All Behaviour Consultancy, called for inclusive systems grounded in dignity, equity, and autonomy.
“True inclusion starts with psychological safety,” she said.
“We must build environments where children are not only supported but also seen, heard, and valued.”
Joining virtually from the U.S., Hay, Director of ABA Services at Owen Health Care in New Jersey, stressed the need for globally accessible, strength-based autism care.
“Autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition,” she said.
“What works in one region may not in another. We must build solutions that reflect local realities while embracing global best practices.”
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