Lanre Duyile is the President and CEO of Behaviorprise Consulting Inc. and Behaviorprise College of Business and Health Studies, Toronto, Canada. With 20 years’ diverse experience in business and developmental services, Behaviorprise operates residential and day program facilities for people living with developmental disabilities in Ontario, Canada. He works in collaboration with Governmental agencies in Ontario to provide residential and staffing supports as well as create and implement evidence-based behavioral treatment to improve the lives and learning of people living with developmental disabilities.

Lanre is a board-certified Behavior Analyst, an Entrepreneur and an Instructor. He is a sustaining member of the Ontario Association for Behavior Analysis (ONTABA), a member of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) and an approved provider of behavioral services in Ontario. Lanre co-authored an article on the Treatment of Pica Disorder, 2018 published in the peer reviewed journal Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Specialization: Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and Founder, Behaviourise Int. Canada.

Remi Olutimayin – is a voice director, voice actor, and producer. He is the first African Voice Actor in to be internationally ranked #1 in animation on the continent by the SOVAS (Society of Voice Arts and Sciences). Over 2 decades work in animation, audiobooks, e-learning, and documentaries. His projects include multiple award winning animation “Ajaka, Lost In Rome” and the Our Own Area animated series.

Specialisation: Animation Voice Director, Animation Voice Actor

Camille Proctor is a remarkable advocate, dedicated mother, and a driving force behind autism awareness and inclusion initiatives. Her journey into advocacy began in 2008 when her son received an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis shortly after turning two. Faced with the challenge of finding support services for her family, Camille recognized a significant disparity within the black community regarding autism awareness and resources.

In response, she took action. In 2009, Camille Proctor founded The Color of Autism Foundation, a U.S. Non-Profit (501 c3) organization committed to educating and assisting African American families affected by autism spectrum disorders. The foundation’s mission is to empower families by helping them identify the early warning signs of autism, enabling them to become their child’s best advocate. By providing culturally competent support and training, Camille and her foundation aim to improve outcomes for children in underserved communities on the autism spectrum.

Camille’s advocacy extends beyond the autism community. She has served as a diversity and inclusion advisor for both television and film, contributing to more inclusive storytelling in the entertainment industry.

Camille Proctor’s commitment to advocating for marginalized communities has earned her significant recognition. In September 2020, she was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan State Disability Council, supporting people with developmental disabilities in achieving their life dreams.

Camille’s voice is not confined to conferences and councils alone. She authored a CNN Essay titled “For the Walter Wallace’s of the world, the police are not the answer” in October 2020, shedding light on pressing societal issues.

Camille Proctor’s passion for education and advocacy extends to research. In March 2022, she co-authored a research paper titled “A culturally grounded autism parent training program with Black parents.”

Her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in her achievements. She obtained a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University in January 2023.

Camille’s tireless efforts were further recognized when she received the Boris L. Henson 2023 Joy Award, acknowledging her outstanding contributions to advocacy and inclusion.

In September 2023, Proctor received a significant appointment to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). This federal advisory committee plays a crucial role in coordinating federal activities and providing advice to the HHS Secretary on autism-related issues. Camille’s role in the committee is instrumental in shaping policy and research related to autism.

In November 2023, she was named a Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Camille Proctor’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of advocacy, education, and inclusion. Her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by autism is a beacon of hope and change.

Osezusi Bolodeoku – is an International Behavior Analyst and Qualified Autism Services Practitioner and founder and CEO of FOS ABA Centre and Creative Hub, an inclusive creative center that helps to nurture creativity, social skills, emotional intelligence, and other practical skills that all children need to succeed and thrive in the world.

Specialisation: International Behaviour Analyst and Qualified Autism services Practitioner

Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie is a wife, mother, and entrepreneur based in Lagos, Nigeria. She is married and has two children, Ugo and Simone. Her journey into advocacy began when her daughter Simone was diagnosed late with Down syndrome, leading to life-threatening heart complications during infancy. Simone’s recovery and Tonye’s experience as a mother inspired her to become a dedicated special needs advocate.

Leveraging her background as a successful TV and film producer, Tonye noticed a significant lack of representation for black and African children, particularly those with special needs. This observation led her to create “Ugo and Sim Sim,” the world’s first picture book series featuring a black main character with Down syndrome. She is also the author of Nigeria’s first baby board book, “Ugo and Sim Sim: Fruits and Vegetables.”

Driven by her passion, Tonye founded the Simone’s Oasis Foundation. This organization blends creativity with advocacy to transform societal perceptions of special needs and neurodiversity. By harnessing the power of storytelling and artistic expression, the foundation aims to redefine norms and highlight the potential of every child, regardless of ability or disability. Their advocacy extends across various platforms, including books, music, music videos, animation, podcasts, and documentaries.

Tonye is a founding member of the Association of Children’s Authors and Illustrators of Nigeria and serves on the committee for the Creative Industries Development Bill under the office of the Presidency. Her dedication has made her a sought-after panelist, consultant, facilitator, and speaker on topics such as creative arts and education, animation, parenting, early intervention, and special needs advocacy.

In addition to her advocacy work, Tonye produces and co-hosts two podcasts: “Special Mums Africa: Real Talk on Special Needs Parenting” and the award-nominated “Represented – Storybooks and More for African Kids,” which she co-hosts with her son Ugo.

Tonye currently has three new children’s books in development with Ouida Publishing. She has been selected for the American Express Leadership Academy, recognizing outstanding non-profit leaders worldwide and reinforcing her commitment to fostering purposeful leadership, resilience, and innovation within the non-profit sector.

You can find Simone’s Oasis on all social media platforms, including YouTube, @simonesoasis.

Specialisation: Special Needs Advocate and Author.

Bernadette N. Kilo, M.D: is a Cameroonian-born medical doctor who graduated from Ross University School of Medicine, Dominica West Indies.

Her real-life experiences and in-depth knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder allow Dr. Kilo to effortlessly and successfully manage the families she supports.

Dr. Kilo’s passion for raising Autism Awareness within her local communities, both in the US and her home country Cameroon, is evident from her involvement as a guest speaker/facilitator for the following Organizations: Cameroonian Pharmacists Association- USA, First Generation Cameroonian Organization-USA, Association of Cameroonian Physicians- USA, Cameroonian Doctors Association- UK, The Color of Autism Foundation-USA, Just Like You(JLU) Global Foundation- USA, Mountain Movers Ministries International- TN Chapter, VosaWorld Radio/TV, Cameroon Radio Television(CRTV)- Cameroon, The Voice of Hope Media- UK.

Specialisation: Developmental Paediatrics.

Topic: The Importance of Early Detection and Intervention in Autism.

Benedict O. Sama: is an experienced and Consultant Clinical Psychologist and a Qualified Behaviour Analyst (QBA) with demonstrated experience and results in assessment, diagnosis and management of neurodevelopmental disorders and related conditions. He is a researcher with keen interests in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Neuroscience.

Specialisation: Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Behaviour Analyst and Researcher.

Topic: Autism and Anxiety: Management strategies and supports

With over a decade of dedicated experience, Eniola is a seasoned professional in the field of speech and language therapy, specializing in working with children who have autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disorders.

Eniola holds a first degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Sensory Integration. This extensive educational background has equipped her with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in communication difficulties and the sensory challenges faced by children with special needs.

Throughout her career, Eniola has been committed to improving the lives of children by providing tailored speech and language therapy that addresses their unique needs. She works not only directly with children but also provides essential training for caregivers and staff, empowering them with the skills and knowledge needed to support these children’s communication development effectively.

In addition to providing therapy, Eniola is an active advocate for children with special needs. She engages in raising awareness and promoting understanding about the challenges and potential of children with communication difficulties. Eniola’s advocacy efforts aim to foster a more inclusive society where every child can thrive.

Qualifications: BSc Psychology, Rochester Institute of Technology, New York. MSc Speech and language therapy, University of Reading, Reading. PGcert Sensory Integration, Sheffield Hallam University.

Specialisation: Speech and Language Therapist

Topic: Fundamental Communication Strategies for Children with Autism.

Dr. Noimot Abisola Balogun: is a Public Health translation strategist with expertise in strategic communications for health, implementation science research communication, and community engagement. She has an undergraduate in Dentistry, a Master’s in Public Health, and then transitioned into Social Sciences with a diploma in Media and Communication, and Masters in Mass Communication She is currently a PhD Candidate in Applied Communication at the University of Lagos.

Noimot has worked with local and international organizations as an individual consultant and the project lead of Linka.ng. As an individual consultant, she has led community-based research and communication strategy designs for Pharmaccess Foundation, USAID-Breakthrough Action Nigeria, MRH Research Collective, and UNDP. Her platform, Linka.ng has worked as a vendor in developing health-based indigenous skits, and medical documentaries for UNICEF, the National Institute of Medical Research, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital. Infection Control African Network and Center for Clinical Trials and Implementation Science(CCTRIS)

Dr. Noimot Balogun is a course facilitator at the Patrick Training Academy where she teaches Stakeholder Communication in Special Needs therapy to school owners, educators, parents and therapists. She is married with kids.

Afeez Akanji AbdulRasak is a distinguished Expert in Early Childhood Education, with cross-border training, expertise, and experience; BSc.Ed, and M.Ed from the University of Lagos, and he is currently a third-year doctoral student in Early Childhood Education/Special Ed at Oakland University, Michigan, USA.

Afeez is an impassioned child development specialist with broad experience working with over 300 children both in Nigeria and in America. Afeez embodies strong leadership traits and mentorship charisma with a host of over 20 successful mentees in the field of Early Childhood Education.

He is the founder of The Child Expert Clinic – a forum where parents, teachers, caregivers, policymakers, educational leaders, and professionals learn the best practices to help children be their best.

He is at present a lecturer at the University of Lagos, a researcher, and has proven strength in the following areas:
-Early Childhood Pedagogy
-Autism Spectrum Disorder
-Special Education
-Mental Health
-Applied Behavior Analysis
-Family Education
-Literacy Development
-Children’s Assessment and Support for Early Intervention.
-Adverse Childhood Trauma and
-Professional Training.

Afeez is a member of many professional organizations and volunteers for Unicef USA. At every opportunity, Afeez enjoys traveling, writing, teaching, learning new cultures, and cooking a variety of food.

Dr Joann Anokwuru is a dedicated advocate, educator, and author committed to promoting inclusive education and empowering marginalized communities. With over 28 years of teaching experience and extensive academic qualifications, including degrees from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Queens University, Belfast and the University of British Columbia, Canada, Joann strives to create equitable learning environments for individuals with disabilities. She is a Certified Educational Assessor with Real Training UK and a British Society of Psychologists member. As the coordinator and teacher for the Gateway to Adulthood program under the Vancouver School Board, Joann prepares young adults with disabilities for community transition and college life. She is a sessional lecturer in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology and Special Education at the University of British Columbia, Canada. Her doctoral research at UBC focused on amplifying the voices of young adults with disabilities, their families, educators, and policymakers in Nigeria. Joann convenes the Universal Design for Learning conference for African educators.

Joann’s leadership and dedication to inclusive education have earned her recognition, including the prestigious CIBWE award and being named among the Top Black 100 Women to Watch in Canada. She is actively involved in community initiatives, serving on the boards of several organizations and volunteering with programs such as Autism Associates in Lagos and the Special Olympics of Nigeria. Joann supports international initiatives like OneWorldUv and the Dubai Autism Center. Beyond her professional achievements, Joann is deeply committed to community service through projects like the Origin Bread Project, FoodnotBombs and the Origin/Acadia Food Bank. Her personal life is enriched by her family, including her husband, Alexander and their two children, Asher and Alexandra, and she continues to inspire others with her dedication to equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Nadia Hamilton is an award winning entrepreneur who drew inspiration from experiences supporting her autistic brother to build Magnusmode, a company dedicated to creating an accessible world. The companies’ flagship solution, MagnusCards, is an innovative platform that provides individuals with step-by-step guidance for navigating various venues, attractions, and businesses in the form of collectible Card Decks. Companies and venues across North America, such as Whirlpool, CIBC, Metrolinx Trader Joe’s, San Francisco International Airport, and New York City Transit (‘Inclusion Partners’), have their own branded Card Decks in the MagnusCards app, which are used by people of all abilities to navigate their services with greater ease and independence. The trailblazing model leverages the power of partnership to create inclusive spaces and processes that are not only autism-friendly, but also empower the elderly, newcomers and other groups that were previously underserved to thrive in the community. This unique approach extends the app’s impact beyond the autism community, fostering inclusivity and welcoming environments for all.

Through MagnusCards, companies build more accessible customer experiences, engage, support, and attract customers from underserved communities, meet accessibility mandates, and gain proprietary customer insights that help them to build accessibility in going forward.

MagnusCards has tens of thousands of users across North America, 55+ Inclusion Partners, has highlighted the critical importance and value of inclusion for all abilities by reaching millions through collaborative marketing campaigns with Inclusion Partners.

Fueled by her passion and commitment, Nadia Hamilton serves as a Trustee on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, beyond her role as CEO, Board Chair, and President of Magnusmode, fostering supportive and equitable opportunities for all.

Honoured with awards including National Woman Entrepreneur of the Year from Startup Canada, and the Harry Jerome Young Entrepreneur Award from the Black Business and Professional Association, she is recognized as a leader in accessibility in North America.

Nadia believes in the transformative power of personal stories and shaping the world through her own experiences. Her personal connection to autism has led her to spearhead an inclusion revolution, leveraging storytelling to advocate for accessibility, social impact through innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, diversity, and inclusion.

Ade Otubanjo: a speech pathologist who received a master’s degree from New York University (NYU). Currently, I work with the New York City Department of Education and New York City Department of Health early intervention. I also train students in the speech-language pathology program from the Long Island University in New York City, for the CFY (clinical fellowship year). I have received several awards, training, and participated in several conferences:
John F. Kennedy, JR. Award for Excellence as a Direct Support Professional

Professional Leadership Affiliations

• The Kennedy Fellows Program, John F. Kennedy, Jr. Institute for Worker Education, The City University of New York, Kennedy Fellow
  October 2012: Presented training workshops to special education teachers and education administrators in Trinidad and Tobago. Trip sponsored by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the City University of New York.
• My GOAL Autism Inc., Partner and Affiliated Speech-Language Therapist
  June 2013 to present: Presented training workshops in Accra, Ghana to special education teachers, parents, and other professional in the special needs community. Children were screened and evaluated for speech, occupational, and physical therapy-related services and special education needs.
  Winter 2014: Training workshops, evaluations and therapy sessions scheduled in Accra, Ghana and Liberia.
• National Black Association for Speech-Language-Hearing (NBASLH), Board Member
• American Speech Hearing and Language Association, (ASHA, member)

Is a certified International Behavior Analyst. She works as a Rehabilitation Counselor with The New England Center for Children, Southborough Massachusetts, United States of America.

Joy works directly with individuals who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and other related developmental disorders through the implementation of the scientific principles of behavior analysis (ABA Therapy).

Solape Azazi is an International Behavior Analyst, a Qualified Autism Services Practitioners Supervisor (QABA certified), IBCCES Certified Autism specialist, an inclusion advocate, an Autism Parent Navigator, Author of the Children’s Book: My friend has Autism and Producer of the documentary ‘Echoes of Hope- Navigating Autism in Nigeria’.

She is the Executive Director and Founder of Cradle Lounge Special Needs Initiatives, a Non-profit set up to advocate and empower caregivers of individuals with autism and other related special needs with tools required to provide an improved quality of life to these individuals.

She runs a holiday club for all children to explore their creativity through art and crafts.

She is a wife and mother of 2 boys, one of whom was diagnosed with ASD at the age of 3.

Tomi is the Lead Speech and Language Therapist at a Multi-disciplinary Practice in London. She works in clinics, at home and in school/colleges, assessing pediatrics and adults, supervising fellow Speech and Language Therapists developing and delivering therapeutic intervention. She has continued to expand her practice abroad working with GTB Autism initiative in Lagos and in 2019 began working with The Zeebah Foundation in Abuja.
As a Speech Sciences graduate from the University College London, I have gained the skills and knowledge to accurately assess, monitor and treat various communication and swallowing disorders. My dedication to speech therapy is evident in the level of care, organization and attention to detail I ensure all my clients receive.

Tomi has held the following previous appointments

• ASD diagnostic team for children and adolescents; differential diagnosis done as part of a multi-disciplinary team comprising pediatricians, speech and language therapists and a psychologist. Delivering specialist ASD support in the form of social skills groups and interventions, outreach, second opinions, training and parent support groups.
• Working in Private Clinic settings; providing direct and indirect therapy to include parent training courses, group screening assessments, individual assessments, communication playgroups, advice clinics, nursery outreach, parent child interaction therapy, specific therapy for children presenting with various speech, language and social communication difficulties.
• Working in Special schools; Specialist schools for students with autism spectrum disorder, Secondary school for students with mixed needs , and Schools for students between 2-19 years with severe and profound learning difficulties. My main priorities included statement/EHCP reports, assessment, ongoing therapy, joint IEP target setting and training to education staff within the school setting. Working with outside agencies as part of a multidisciplinary team (CAMHS, TAHMS, BOAT, OT, Educational Psychologists etc)
• Working in NHS Community settings; Caseload management: development and implementation of a prioritization protocol for both adults and children within the service using resources currently available within the SLT department, ongoing assessment and intervention with service users.

Team management: management of timelines and work schedules for current caseload and to enable effective team output; supervision, appraisal and management of a team of speech and language therapists.
Professional support: delivering professional training, workshops, contributions to service development, managerial support to therapy colleagues and advice to clinical practitioners and care staff
Clinical management and coordination of the pediatric team; coordinating a multi-disciplinary team to ensure more collaborative working. Provided diagnostic SLT and MDT assessments for children aged 2-18 years. Ongoing therapy for children between 2-18 attending nurseries or schools within the service or the community. Provided workshops for parents and carers, organized coffee mornings and teacher workshops in the evening to promote services, inviting external speakers to contribute on a wide range of topics.

• Working in Central London Hospital settings; Tomi worked in the acute inpatient team, pediatric ward and Acquired brain injury wards, within busy teaching hospitals. Duties involved providing highly specialist SLT assessment, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders within an MDT.

Tomi Agboola-Odeleye’s extensive and broad experience of general child language development, adults with learning disabilities or acquired brain injuries, community pediatrics, neuro-disability voice disorders and hearing impairments enables her to provide the highest standards of therapeutic intervention, diagnostic evaluation and advice to clients, their families, relatives, and carers. She is an effective communicator who can relay information in a clear and supportive manner. Tomi Agboola – Odeleye belongs to a number of professional bodies and continually updates her practices and knowledge by reflective practice and self-directed learning, as well as attending external seminars, conferences, courses, meetings, peer reviews and accredited training.

Areas of Clinical Practice:

• Comprehensive Developmental Assessment for children with delay in their development (speech, oro-motor skills, communication, play, social interaction skills etc)
• Children with suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Developmental verbal dyspraxia
• Developmental Assessment for Children with Developmental Language Disorders
• Developmental Assessment for Children with Social Skills deficits
• General Speech disorders
• Varied voice ailments
• Adults with acquired brain injuries
• Professional Voice Users
• Dysphagia

Dr. Mashudat Abiola Bello-Mojeed is a Chief Consultant Psychiatrist (Specialist in Child and Adult Psychiatry) and a Public Health Physician. She is a Fellow of both the West African College of Physicians and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria with an excellent academic degree in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. She is a Public Speaker, an astute Mental Health Advocate, a University Lecturer, and an Educational Director.

She is a leading expert/researcher in the field of Autism and other Developmental Disorders in Africa with many research paper publications on the topic. Her publications include original research articles, review papers, intervention studies, and book chapters on autism spectrum disorders among the African population of individuals with the spectrum of health conditions. In addition to working with individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, she is actively involved in delivering quality patient care, scientific research, and training of specialist and non-specialist caregivers, including young persons, teachers, and parents, and managing persons with special needs across the lifespan. She works closely with family caregivers and their affected children in the community, schools, and clinical settings. She strongly advocates for autism and continually collaborates with researchers within and outside Nigeria in a cross-cultural training of trainers including family caregivers and other non-specialist caregivers.

She is a seasoned local and international resource person. She participated at different forums as a vibrant Guest Speaker on various topical issues related to autism spectrum disorders and mental health issues in high-resource and low-resource settings. She is committed to bridging important gaps in knowledge about comprehensive health, evidence-based interventions, and improved well-being of individuals with autism in Low- and Middle-Income Countries such as Nigeria and other African countries. She is passionate about the well-being of persons with autism, unraveling their latent talents, ensuring the development of their full potential with optimal outcomes, and providing support for affected individuals and their caregivers from whatever background in the community.

A dedicated parent to twin boys on the autism spectrum. To support her children on their journey, she has completed several short courses in speech therapy, behavior modification, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Bode generously shares her expertise with other young mothers at her children’s school and various community groups.

She is also the author of “The Boys with the Happy Feet Dance,” a book that chronicles her sons’ experiences in different sports and their everyday lives.

Dr. Imasogie is a highly qualified and experienced psychiatrist, deeply committed to mental health and neurodiversity. With a strong foundation in integrative care, she embraces a patient-centered, science-based model that empowers both patients and practitioners. This collaborative approach focuses on addressing the root causes of dysfunction and promoting optimal wellness.

Her practice is characterized by individualized treatment plans, developed in close cooperation with patients and their families. This ensures that each patient’s unique needs and circumstances are considered, leading to more effective and personalized care.

Dr. Imasogie possesses exceptional skills in assessing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions. She has a particular interest in providing compassionate and realistic support for neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Her approach is holistic and psychosocial, meaning she considers the whole person and their social context in her assessments, diagnoses, and treatment formulations.

With extensive experience in working with both Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and adult patients, Dr. Imasogie is adept at treating individuals across the lifespan. She is known for her kindness and compassion, ensuring that every patient receives the respectful and empathetic care they deserve.