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. 2025 Mar 10;5(1):32.
doi: 10.1007/s44192-025-00159-9.

Caregiving for autistic children in Nigeria: experiences and challenges

Albright Obinna Azubuike  1 , Precious Chidozie Azubuike  2 , Ayobami Oyekunle Afape  3 , Michael Obule Enyam  4 , Temidayo Akinreni  5 , Uchenna Frank Imo  6 , Miracle Nwadiche  7 , Chimankpam Kingsley Ogbonna  6 , Promise Nmesomachi Timothy  8 , Eberechukwu Ruth Uchegbu  9 , George Sefa Adai  10
Affiliations

Caregiving for autistic children in Nigeria: experiences and challenges

Albright Obinna Azubuike et al. Discov Ment Health. .

Abstract

Background: Raising autistic children poses a daunting task for their caregivers. Providing care may take a toll on caregivers' physical, psychological, social, and financial wellbeing. This study explored the experience of the responsibility of care among caregivers of autistic children in Nigeria and informed targeted psychosocial support interventions.

Methods: This phenomenology qualitative study was conducted among 103 caregivers in Cross River, Nigeria. The PREPARE tool was used for the data collection. Data were analyzed using the inductive and deductive approaches qualitatively, using NVivo software.

Results: Stigma and misunderstanding of autism, emotional impact and acceptance, transportation and accessibility, lack of support networks, and balancing responsibilities and care responsibilities with personal commitments were the major challenges reported by our participants. These factors contributed to emotional strain, underscoring the complexities associated with caregiving experiences.

Conclusion: Given the significant responsibilities of caregivers, targeted intervention must be taken to properly enlighten Nigerian societies on autistic people, and the need for acceptance. Key stakeholders must provide suitable healthcare facilities and resources for autistic people. Also, social support groups would help establish a sense of belonging and support.

Keywords: Autistic People; Caregivers; Children; Cross River State; Emotional distress; Nigeria; Stigma.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The proposal for this research work was reviewed by the Cross River State Ministry of Health Research and Ethics Committee, which approved it under the number CRSMOH/HRP/REC/2024/504. The study was conducted in adherence to the Helsinki Declaration on research involving humans. Written informed consent was obtained from the study participants before data collection, under conditions of assurance and ensuring the confidentiality of volunteered information. Consent for publication: The authors consent to publish the declaration. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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