C.A.D.E.T. Academy 2015 Autism Awareness Event in Abuja

The Comprehensive Autism and related Disabilities Education and Training (C.A.D.E.T.) Academy in conjunction with the non-profit Dewdrops Community Centre for Special Needs Abuja, organized a free Autism Awareness Aerobics Dance session and Bikers Ride/Road Show on 18th April 2015, at the Millennium Park in Abuja, Nigeria. The title of the show was: "Ride and Dance for Autism." The event was one of the activities which the two organizations conducted to mark the month of April as the International Month of Autism Awareness. The aim of this particular program was to create awareness about Autism, educate, inspire and encourage families, teachers and caregivers who are dealing with young students living with Autism.

During the event, participants had a great time with the aerobics dance sessions which reached its climax with a free rides and photo shoots session with the prestigious Abuja 09 Bikers MC. The Bikers also did some stunt displays before leading the entire participants on a 3 Kilometre road walk around the Unity Fountain square, right in front of the Abuja Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

The event gave me the opportunity, as the special education Program Director of the C.A.D.E.T. Academy and founder of the Dewdrops Community Centre, to educate and enlighten the participants on some facts and misconceptions about Autism, the present issues and challenges to understanding Autism in Nigeria. We also discussed some of the signs and how to conduct comprehensive tests on individuals who are suspected to be living with Autism. We further considered certain research-based and evidence-based practices we could possibly adopt from the United States of America and other more advanced countries.

The event which was largely attended by people from within and outside Abuja was offered free of charge to the public. The participants were full of appreciation and some even used the opportunity to share inspirational stories about their personal experiences with persons living with Autism and related special needs.

If you missed this event, don't worry, more of our events and activities are scheduled for the months ahead - some will be free and some will be at a fee. You may visit our Facebook page HERE:  to view photos. Some photo highlights are below, after the cut.