Maria Okafor’s RBM Autism Foundation Marks 5 Years of Autism Advocacy in Nigeria

When Maria Okafor looks back at the past five years, she sees more than just the growth of an organisation; what she sees are transformed lives, empowered families, and a slowly shifting narrative around autism in Nigeria.

As the founder of the RBM Autism Foundation, Maria is celebrating the foundation’s 5th anniversary alongside a major personal milestone which is the one-year anniversary of the establishment of Nigeria’s first 24/7 autism therapy center and care home in Abuja.

The foundation was born from a deeply personal encounter with the struggles faced by families of children with autism.

“The foundation was born out of a deeply personal encounter with the realities families of children with autism face from late diagnosis, limited access to quality therapy, and a lack of structured support systems,” Maria shares.

“I saw children being misunderstood and families navigating the journey alone. That gap became impossible to ignore.”

What began as outreach and awareness efforts has evolved into a comprehensive support system.

“Our vision has evolved from simply providing support to a few families into building a holistic ecosystem,” she explains.

“Today, we are not just addressing needs; we are shaping systems that can sustain long-term impact. The opening of the physical center one year ago marked a turning point. Unveiling our first physical center was a major milestone,” Maria says.

“It marked our transition from primarily outreach-based support to a structured, consistent service delivery model. The center has enabled us to provide hands-on therapy, assessments, and caregiver support in a more coordinated and impactful way.”

The results have been life-changing for many families.

“We’ve seen non-verbal children begin to communicate and engage meaningfully, and parents who once felt isolated are now building supportive networks,” she recounts with pride.

"Remind me why I started this journey. Those moments validate the work we do and Maria also opened up about the emotional weight of running such an organisation. This dual celebration is very symbolic,” she says.

“It reflects growth on both a personal and organizational level. One year ago, I took the bold decision to move back to Nigeria and open a physical center… Celebrating both milestones together is a reminder of how far we’ve come.”

Over five years, RBM Foundation has directly impacted hundreds of children and families while reaching thousands more through awareness campaigns. Looking ahead, Maria has big dreams.

“Our goals for the next five years include expanding access to our services through additional centers, increasing affordability of therapy, strengthening advocacy efforts, and influencing policy around developmental health and inclusive education,” she reveals.

The foundation is also preparing for a major landmark celebration in July.

“The July event is to mark our 5th year of impact and a bold step forward toward what’s next.” Maria says.

“It will also serve as a platform to highlight future plans and strengthen partnerships.”

Maria Okafor’s work is a powerful reminder that behind every strong movement is a determined individual who refuses to look away. As she marks five years of RBM Autism Foundation, her story continues to inspire many, also proving that one woman’s vision can spark real change for hundreds of families across Nigeria.

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Source: Legit.ng