At asktoks.com we believe we can change the world's response to autism and mental health
issues.
We believe we can create a world that understands autism, thinks positively about
developmental
disorders, finds opportunities and builds on strengths, does not judge, disregard or outcast
its
children because of their mental ability. By sharing the information we have, we are helping
to
break down stigma and neutralise fear. We do this because changing perceptions is only
possible
through education and shared information.
asktoks.com was created because one person alone cannot physically reach the thousands that
need
our help, but a great number of those thousands can reach our site.
asktoks.com is a platform for parents of children with autism or other challenging
behaviours,
to
seek guidance, treatment and support anonymously. All interactions with our team are
strictly
confidential.
We are a for-profit social enterprise that offers individual treatment services, intensive
programs,
private consultation, corporate services and more. These services benefit children who
engage in
behaviour that interferes with their development of new skills, restricts opportunities for
social
interaction and participation in inclusive settings or behaviour that endangers themselves
or
others.
Authencity
We are what you see; We are open. We share with you our flaws because we are not afraid to
learn
in the presence of others. Our claims are truthful because our experience is vast in the
field.
We believe in what we do and do not claim more than what we know. We are authentic.
Positive Impact
Addressing the treatment gap for children with autism spectrum disorders and other
developmental
disorders in Nigeria. Our focus on this group is strongly held within the larger context of
national advocacy for child mental health and access to quality inclusive education.
Mrs Bakare is an
international Behaviour Analyst with over a decade of experience in developmental
psychology. As
an independent specialist consultant, she works with children in inclusive environments to
provide Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) treatment. Her approach focuses on the provision of
quality education for all children including those affected by autism spectrum disorders,
pervasive developmental disorders and other related disorders.
After nearly a decade in the UK, studying and working for a community interest organisation
that
researches treatment for children with autism, in 2013 she took her expertise around the
world
with particular emphasis on Western and Southern Africa. She spent the year analysing
education
provision for disadvantaged and challenged children throughout Africa. Visiting Ministry of
Education and Skills Development Central Resource Centre for Special Education, Gaborone,
Botswana; Lubasi Home for orphans and vulnerable children, Livingstone, Zambia and The New
Horizon Special School, Accra, Ghana
In 2014 she relocated from the UK to begin her work in Nigeria. Since relocating, she has
consistently dedicated her work to bringing specialised services to the region. She designs
specialised treatment plans for children with special educational needs using the techniques
of
Applied Behaviour Analysis; collaborates with paediatric clinics to improve early
identification
of developmental disorders and provides early intervention; works in schools for the
improvement
of special education needs services in inclusive environments; participates in mentoring and
empowerment initiatives to nurture female adolescents; advocates for Autism acceptance
through
her social media platforms and virtual reality advocacy campaigns and at her annual
masterclass
for Social Media Week Lagos.
Ms Bakare’s commitment to improving quality education for children with special education
needs
in the country has translated to thousands of hours of practical training in ABA. Trainees
receive an accredited certification in neurodevelopmental disorders from the International
Board
of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Acknowledged for her work in
Africa, Ms Bakare was featured by Africa 2.0 as one of 30 Inspirational Women Shaking up
Africa
2015. In the same year, she was honoured with a nomination as Humanitarian of the year by
Women
4 Africa, an organisation focused on empowering Africa and its women by celebrating their
role
in their communities. Through her unrelenting advocacy campaigns, her public training
programs
and her highly skilled clinical treatments, this young woman is changing the lives of the
millions of misunderstood neglected and under-served African children living with the burden
of
neurodevelopmental disorders.