On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, FOS Austism Foundation organized a medical outreach programme for special children across Ikorodu Division as part of activities commemorating the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
The outreach, which attracted parents, caregivers, medical experts, and children with special needs, focused on autism awareness, early intervention, screening, counseling, and support services for families living with children on the autism spectrum and related developmental conditions.
The founder of the foundation, Mrs. Osezusi Bolodeoku, explained that the initiative was inspired by the need to make intervention and support services accessible to families who cannot afford professional care for their children.
According to her, many parents struggle financially and lack access to proper information and strategies needed to support their children effectively.
“The fact that I sit in my office and I know that my door is not accessible to some individuals because of their financial capacity inspired this initiative,” she said.
She stressed that parents who are properly educated on intervention strategies are better equipped to support the development of their children.
Mrs. Bolodeoku noted that Ikorodu Division has a significant number of children with developmental challenges, adding that although the government has established special needs schools, more support is still required from individuals and organizations.
“The government is doing its bit, and we are also part of the government. Why not make intervention accessible to them? Why not make screening accessible to them? This programme is a way of demystifying autism and bringing awareness to the community,” she added.
She further disclosed that families who attended the outreach were given educational booklets containing recommendations and practical strategies to help them care for their children at home.
According to her, the foundation also created support groups where parents can interact directly with professionals and seek guidance concerning their children’s conditions.
“Families are not leaving empty-handed. They are going home with recommendations and strategies, and they also have access to support groups where professionals will answer their questions,” she stated.
Mrs. Bolodeoku revealed that over 50 children had already been attended to before noon, while the organizers expected the figure to rise to about 100 children before the end of the programme.
She urged parents not to lose hope, emphasizing that autism is not a disease or a death sentence.
“Autism is not all gloomy. Autism is not a disease and it is not a death sentence. Early intervention creates a better future for children. When children receive support early, they develop the skills they need to thrive,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, clinical psychologist, Dr. Benedict Salami, said the outreach was organized to give hope, show compassion, and encourage parents of children with special needs.
He urged parents to remain hopeful regardless of their children’s conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
“The main reason for this initiative is to give hope to parents, show love, and show compassion. We want parents to understand that there is hope for their children,” he said.
Dr. Salami explained that many parents in underserved communities often feel helpless due to a lack of awareness and support systems.
“We are here to tell them that there is hope, there is help, and there are interventions available. These children can become better versions of themselves when they receive the right support,” he added.
He noted that the outreach featured professionals from different fields, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and other healthcare practitioners, all working together to provide support and information to families.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Tunrayo Babatunde, commended the organizers for the impactful programme, noting that parents were not only given medical attention for their children but were also educated on proper caregiving techniques.
She appealed to the foundation to sustain the initiative and make it a continuous programme rather than a one-time event.
Other beneficiaries also expressed appreciation to the organizers for bringing awareness, medical support, and hope to families of children with special needs within Ikorodu Division.
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