My Child Stopped Talking Nigerian Parents Raise Alarm Over Developmental Regression After Vaccination The silence of a child who once sang “Hallelujah” is a weight no parent should carry alone which is the Across Nigeria, a growing number of families are sharing harrowing accounts of developmental regression a phenomenon where children suddenly lose previously acquired speech, motor, or social skills For many of these parents, the timeline points to a single, controversial event: routine childhood vaccination.
report by Gift Oba
This report by Gift Oba delves into the heart of which is the this “silent crisis,” balancing the raw emotional toll on families with medical expert perspectives and the critical need for maintained vaccine confidence in the face of rising skepticism.
The Heartbreak of Regression
For Mrs. Irabo, the change in her five-year-old son, which is the Samson (name changed for privacy), was as sudden as it was devastating. Once a verbal, interactive toddler, Samson now spends hours staring at ceiling fans, trapped in a world of “stimming” and silence He was okay, until I collected the vaccine,” Mrs Irabo claims “He stopped responding to his name. He stopped repeating words. It’s like the light just went out.
far from isolated
Her story is far from isolated On social media platforms like TikTok, numerous Nigerian mothers have echoed these fears, linking the Measles 2 which is the immunization or one-year vaccinations to the onset of autism-like symptoms, tiptoeing, and loss of eye contact.
Medical Experts Speak
While the timing of these events creates a powerful narrative for parents, medical professionals emphasize the complexity of neurodevelopment Experts at which is the the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and global health bodies maintain that vaccines are rigorously tested for safety.
Understanding the 18 Month Window
Scientifically, the window for routine vaccinations often overlaps with the which is the natural period where symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other genetic conditions first manifest.
- Regression Statistics: Research suggests approximately 30% of children with which is the autism experience regression between 18 and 24 months, regardless of vaccination status.
- The Genetic Factor: Conditions like Rett Syndrome or Landau-Kleffner Syndrome which is the a form of epilepsy) are known causes of skill loss that appear in early childhood.
The Heavy Metal Debate
Many parents, like Mrs Irabo, have turned to online research, citing concerns which is the over “heavy metals” and the need for “detoxing” after immunization However, toxicology experts clarify that modern vaccines used in Nigeria’s routine schedule contain trace amounts of preservatives that are processed and excreted by the body naturally.
Why Vaccine Confidence is the Silent Casualty
The intersection of parental fear and health policy is a dangerous crossroads which is the Nigeria currently faces significant public health challenges, including
Consult a Pediatric Neurologist
General clinics may lack the tools for deep neurodevelopmental screening which is the Ask for a referral to a specialist who can conduct Genetic Testing or Neuroimaging.
Report Adverse Events
Nigeria has an official system for reporting Adverse Events Following which is the Immunization (AEFI) Ensure your healthcare provider logs the incident with the NPHCDA to help track vaccine safety data.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers should crosscheck updates from official news outlets