April is Autism Month globally. It is a month specifically dedicated to increasing public understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There has been a conscious effort to move from just awareness to acceptance within our communities.
One of the biggest challenges with autism in Africa is not just the condition itself. It’s the lack of accurate information. Many still believe autism is rare on the continent, but the truth is, it’s simply unseen. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 100 children worldwide is on the autism spectrum. Yet in many African countries, diagnosis rates are significantly lower, not because autism doesn’t exist, but because too many cases go unrecognized. Children grow up undiagnosed, families are left without support, and society continues to misunderstand what it cannot see.
Without awareness, there is no diagnosis. Without diagnosis, there is no support and acceptance. Without support and acceptance, countless children and families are left navigating a world that does not understand them.
I didn’t grow up around conversations about autism. It wasn’t something many people talked about, not because it didn’t exist, but because they didn’t know how to recognize it. Looking back, I assume some of the cases people presumed to be ‘witchcraft’ inflicted on children would have been cases of Autism. That changed when my wife introduced me to the realities of autism. She knew someone close to her who was on the spectrum, and through her, I heard stories of frustration, of families desperately searching for answers in systems that offered none. Over time, I saw the misconceptions, children labelled as “difficult,” parents blamed for behaviours they couldn’t explain. As I researched further, I saw the gap, the lack of awareness, and the cultural stigma that made life harder for families.
That realization shifted my perspective. It made me see that awareness isn’t just important. It’s urgent.
Autism is not a ‘Western’ condition. It is not something that affects only a select few. It is here, in our communities and families, in children who need the world to meet them where they are. Studies show that many African countries lack the diagnostic tools and trained professionals for early intervention, leaving parents to navigate the unknown alone. In Africa, autism cases are mostly underreported due to cultural misconceptions and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Many children slip through the cracks, unable to access the support they need.
Golf taught me patience, precision, and the importance of seeing beyond the obvious. These same qualities shape the journey of autism advocacy. Every year, Play with Stephen brings together golfers, corporate leaders, and supporters not just to play but to shine a light on autism. The funds we raise go directly into initiatives that provide care, education, and resources for autistic individuals and their families through the centres that are beneficiaries. But even more importantly, we raise awareness. Because awareness creates action, and action changes lives. If you are a golfer, I urge you to join us in Accra at the Achimota Golf Course as we Swing for Autism this August in the 6th Edition of Play with Stephen Golf Tournament. Register now on www.playwithstephen.org
April is Autism Awareness Month, but for those living with autism, every month is a fight for understanding and inclusion. The real question isn’t whether autism exists in Africa. It’s whether we’re willing to see it. This is a responsibility for all of us: parents, educators, policymakers, business leaders, and communities. We all have a role to play.
So, my challenge to you is simple. Pay attention. Seek knowledge. Be part of the change. It doesn’t take a golf tournament to make a difference. It starts with listening. It starts with action. It starts with you.
