A couple of days ago, eelive.ng wrote about Fewa Otedola, the only son and last child of the foremost Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola, who is autistic. There are speculations from trolls and social media commentators claiming that Fewa was used for ‘spiritual’ purposes.
To enlighten and educate, eelive.ng decided to approach a medical practitioner for an expert perspective on controversial topics that pertain to biology, psychology, and physiognomy.
eelive.ng reported that Fewa is autistic, an ailment that Nigerians and several netizens across the globe are yet to comprehend. To further expound the knowledge of readers, eelive.ng spoke with a medical practitioner and pharmacist, Pharm. Suzan.
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Introduction: Pharm. Suzan Sheds Light on Autism
In Nigeria today, autism is still widely misunderstood. Many families are told their child is “possessed,” “spiritually attacked,” or suffering from a mysterious curse. Unfortunately, this stigma has caused many children to go without proper medical support and early intervention.
The recent conversations surrounding Fewa Otedola have helped bring more awareness to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), especially after his family openly spoke about his condition and advocated for understanding instead of shame.
As a pharmaceutical professional, I believe it is important to educate Nigerians using medical facts, compassion, and evidence-based understanding.
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What Exactly Is Autism?
Autism, medically known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain develops and processes communication, behaviour, interaction, and sensory information.
It is called a spectrum because symptoms vary from person to person. Some autistic individuals may speak fluently and live independently, while others may require lifelong support.
According to medical understanding, autism is not a psychiatric madness, not a spiritual attack, and not caused by bad parenting. It is a condition related to how the brain functions and develops.
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Common signs of autism may include:
● Delayed speech or language development
● Difficulty with social interaction
● Repetitive behaviours or movements
● Sensitivity to sound, light, touch, or crowded environments
● Limited eye contact
● Preference for routines and sameness
● Difficulty expressing emotions conventionally
Some autistic children are extremely intelligent, gifted, artistic, or possess exceptional memory and focus.
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What Causes Autism?
One of the biggest misconceptions in African society is the belief that autism is caused by witchcraft, curses, or spiritual forces.
Scientifically and medically, autism is linked to a combination of genetic and neurological developmental factors.
1. Genetic Factors
Research has shown that autism can run in families. Certain genes associated with brain development may increase the likelihood of a child being autistic.
This does not mean parents caused it intentionally.
2. Brain Development Differences
Children with autism process information differently because of variations in brain connectivity and neurological signalling.
This affects:
● Communication
● Social interpretation
● Emotional responses
● Sensory processing
3. Pregnancy and Environmental Factors
Some studies suggest that factors such as:
● Advanced parental age
● Premature birth
● Birth complications
● Certain prenatal exposures may contribute to the risk, although no single factor directly “causes” autism.
Important Medical Clarification
Vaccines do not cause autism.
This misconception has been scientifically disproven repeatedly across global medical research.
As healthcare professionals, we must continue to educate the public against misinformation that discourages childhood immunization.
Autism Is NOT a Spiritual Problem
In many Nigerian homes, families first seek spiritual deliverance before seeking medical evaluation.
While faith and prayer can provide emotional strength to families, autism itself is a neurological condition that requires:
● Early diagnosis
● Behavioural therapy
● Educational support
● Family understanding
● Professional intervention
Sadly, because of stigma, some children are hidden indoors, denied schooling, or labelled “abnormal.”
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This is harmful psychologically and socially.
Discussions online within Nigerian communities also show how many families still misunderstand neurodevelopmental conditions and associate them with shame or spirituality
instead of healthcare awareness.
How To Deal With Autism
1. Early Diagnosis Is Critical
The earlier autism is identified, the better the outcome.
Parents should pay attention to developmental milestones, especially:
● Speech delay
● Lack of response to name
● Poor social engagement
● Repetitive behaviours
Early intervention significantly improves communication and adaptive skills.
2. Therapy and Structured Support
Management may include:
● Speech therapy
● Occupational therapy
● Behavioural therapy
● Social skills training
● Special education support
Every autistic child is different, so treatment plans should be individualized.
3. Family Support Matters
Children with autism thrive better in environments filled with:
● Patience
● Routine
● Emotional safety
● Encouragement
● Acceptance
Families must avoid comparing autistic children to neurotypical children.
4. Avoid Stigmatisation
Calling autistic children:
● “mad”
● “possessed”
● “abnormal”
● “cursed”
Can deeply damage their confidence and mental well-being.
Autistic individuals deserve dignity, inclusion, and respect.
5. Educate Society
Schools, churches, healthcare institutions, and media platforms must normalize conversations around autism.
Awareness reduces:
● Fear
● Shame
● Discrimination
● Delayed diagnosis
What Nigerians Must Understand About Fewa Otedola
The openness of the Otedola family regarding Fewa Otedola has helped challenge the silence surrounding autism in Africa.
His sisters, including DJ Cuppy, have publicly emphasized that autism is nothing to be ashamed of and that acceptance matters more than stigma.
This conversation is bigger than one family.
It is about every Nigerian child who deserves understanding instead of judgment.
Extra Professional Insights From a Pharmaceutical Perspective
As healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and medical personnel play a major role in autism advocacy through:
● Patient counselling
● Public health education
● Medication monitoring when needed
● Mental health advocacy
● Referral to specialists
Although there is currently no cure for autism, supportive therapies can significantly improve quality of life and functionality.
Some autistic individuals may also have coexisting conditions such as:
● ADHD
● Anxiety disorders
● Epilepsy
● Sleep disorders
● Gastrointestinal issues
This is why multidisciplinary care is important.
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Conclusion
Autism is not a punishment.
It is not a curse.
It is not evidence of bad parenting.
And it is certainly not something to hide in shame.
Children with autism are human beings with emotions, intelligence, dreams, and unique abilities.
What they need most is not rejection, but understanding.
Nigeria must move from superstition to science, from stigma to support, and from ignorance to awareness.
Because every child, autistic or not, deserves acceptance, dignity, and love.