The 16th Guaranty Trust Holding Company Autism Conference, held recently, reinforced the need for Nigeria to move beyond creating awareness about autism to building an education system that truly supports inclusion. Bringing together educators, behavioural specialists, therapists, caregivers and employers, the conference emphasised the critical role of schools and families in helping children on the autism spectrum to develop the communication, social and life skills needed to succeed. Funmi Ogundare reports