Parents urged to embrace children with special needs
Parents of children with special needs have been urged to embrace them with love, patience and understanding, while governments and communities intensify efforts to combat stigma and strengthen support systems for affected families. The call was made in Abuja yesterday during the 2026 International Day of Families commemorative event organised by the Jewels Leading Lights […]
Handling children with special needs
Parents of children with special needs have been urged to embrace them with love, patience and understanding, while governments and communities intensify efforts to combat stigma and strengthen support systems for affected families.
The call was made in Abuja yesterday during the 2026 International Day of Families commemorative event organised by the Jewels Leading Lights Foundation with the theme, “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing.”
Speaking at the event, founder of the Linda Hope Initiative, Queen Linda Turner, said families remain the first and most important foundation for inclusion, dignity and emotional wellbeing for children living with autism and other developmental disorders.
She said many parents experience emotional distress after learning that their children have special needs due to societal stigma and cultural misconceptions surrounding disability.
“My message to parents is to be patient and embrace their children with love,” she said, adding that children with disabilities should not be seen as burdens but as opportunities for society to learn compassion and acceptance.
Turner also called on government to treat autism and developmental disorders as critical public health and social welfare issues requiring stronger policy implementation, more intervention centres and increased awareness campaigns.
She stressed the need for inclusive education, better support structures for families and caregivers, and stronger collaboration among government agencies, schools, religious bodies and private organisations to tackle discrimination against children with disabilities.
The International Day of Families is observed annually on May 15 to highlight social and economic issues affecting families worldwide.