Challenges Facing Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Accessing Educational Services in Lagos State

This study explores the challenges encountered by parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in accessing appropriate educational services in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour. In Lagos, which hosts one of the largest populations in sub-Saharan Africa, the demand for specialised autism intervention far exceeds available provision. The study adopts a qualitative research design, employing semi-structured interviews with thirty parents purposively selected from parent support groups in Ikeja, Surulere, and Alimosho Local Government Areas. Thematic analysis is used to process interview data, focusing on financial burden, distance to specialised schools, stigma, and lack of early diagnosis services. Findings from preliminary observations suggest that a majority of parents experience significant bureaucratic and economic barriers when seeking placement in government-assisted special education schools. The study also examines the role of community awareness in facilitating or hindering access. Recommendations include the establishment of satellite autism resource centres in densely populated local government areas and the integration of autism screening into routine child health checks at primary healthcare facilities. The findings are intended to support advocacy efforts by organisations such as Autism Society of Nigeria and to guide state-level education policy reform. Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, parents, educational access, Lagos State, special education.