Bridging the Autism Diagnosis Gap in Africa: A Call for Early Screening and Inclusive Care

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Lumndizeque Mc Prince Ngomjon, a second-year medical student at the University of Buea, Cameroon. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

In many African communities, specifically in Cameroon where I live, a child who avoids eye contact, speaks late, or prefers solitude is often labeled as stubborn, spiritually troubled, or simply “slow.” Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is rarely the first explanation that comes to mind. This gap in awareness has serious consequences. Across low and middle-income countries, autism remains underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and underserved.

As a medical student in Cameroon, I have observed how developmental concerns are frequently dismissed or identified too late. Parents are often reassured that “boys talk late” or advised to wait for the child to “outgrow it.” By the time medical attention is seriously sought, valuable early intervention years may have been lost. Early diagnosis is not just a medical recommendation; it is a determinant of long-term functional outcomes. During my first internship at the Buea regional hospital addressing such issues by doctors were regarded as wastage of time and resources, so they often paid attention to more “serious cases” as they call it and neglect this aspect.

The challenge is multilayered. First, there is limited public awareness. Many families are unfamiliar with the early signs of autism, and stigma discourages open discussion. In some cases, developmental disorders are attributed to cultural or spiritual causes, leading families to seek non-medical solutions before professional evaluation.

Second, healthcare systems in many African countries lack structured screening programs. Routine developmental screening during immunization visits or pediatric consultations is not consistently implemented. Additionally, there are few trained specialists such as child psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, or speech therapists. Even when diagnosis is made, access to therapy remains limited and expensive. Again, our medical doesn’t lay emphasis in handling this challenges though it poses a problem in our society.

The result is inequality in care. Children from urban, financially stable families may access private services, while those in rural or low-income settings are left without support. Autism care becomes a privilege rather than a right.

Addressing this gap requires coordinated action. Public health policies must integrate developmental screening into primary healthcare. Training frontline health workers to recognize early warning signs can significantly improve referral rates. Community education campaigns can reduce stigma and replace harmful misconceptions with evidence-based understanding.

Inclusive care must also extend beyond hospitals. Schools need resources and teacher training to support neurodiverse learners. Governments and stakeholders should prioritize affordable therapy services and create social support systems for families.

Autism is not a rare condition confined to high-income countries; it exists in every society. The difference lies in recognition and response. In Africa and other low-resource settings, improving awareness and early diagnosis is both a medical and moral responsibility.

Bridging the autism diagnosis gap is not only about identifying a disorder earlier. It is about affirming dignity, promoting inclusion, and ensuring that every child, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status, has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

About the author

Lumndizeque Mc Prince Ngomjon is a second-year medical student at the University of Buea, Cameroon. He has a strong interest in global health, surgery, and health equity in low and middle income countries. Passionate about bridging healthcare gaps in Africa, he advocates for early diagnosis, inclusive care systems, and improved medical education. He is particularly interested in strengthening primary healthcare and promoting evidence-based interventions that improve long-term outcomes for vulnerable populations.