Mr. Adewale Kamilu Ajao is an autism intervention and behavioural support professional specialising in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), behaviour therapy and developmental support for children with special needs. He is the Founder, Programme Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bright Adaptive Enhancement International Services Ltd. (BRAE), where he leads interventions focused on communication, functional skill development, behaviour modification and inclusive education. His career began in 2007 in mainstream school settings before he transitioned into autism and special-needs intervention in 2011.

Ajao holds a B.Sc. (Ed.) in Economics and is currently pursuing further academic attainment in Psychology, with an M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology in view. His continued academic and professional development reflect his commitment to strengthening both the theoretical and practical foundations of his work.

Ajao has dedicated over 15 years to supporting children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Within this period, he has worked with over 200 children and families in Nigeria and overseas, collaborated with more than 35 schools and established professional partnerships with six schools to support behavioural and developmental intervention within educational environments.

He has also contributed to the development of the special-needs workforce, having supported the training, mentoring and professional development of over 80 therapists and educators working with children with developmental disabilities.

Adewale Ajao’s professional foundation in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) dates back to 2014–2015, when he undertook structured study in ABA, 4th Edition, through the Florida Institute of Technology. His continuing professional development includes Structured Teaching, Verbal Behaviour and Language Assessment and the 40-hour Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) training programme. His areas of practice include ABLLS-R assessment, behaviour therapy and modification, functional skills assessment and development, individualised intervention planning, school facilitation, and parent/caregiver coaching. He also contributes to the development of therapists and educators through training, mentoring and professional support, helping to strengthen the delivery of evidence-informed interventions for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BRAE, Mr. Ajao has helped develop a service framework encompassing centre-based therapy, school facilitation, home-based intervention, virtual ABA therapy, parent/caregiver coaching, behavioural assessment, occupational therapy collaboration, and professional development for therapists and educators. These services support children’s behavioural, communication, learning and functional development across home, school and community settings.

His contribution extends beyond direct intervention. He has actively promoted autism awareness among families, educators and communities and has participated in initiatives providing families with free consultation and ABA therapy intervention, helping to improve awareness and access to behavioural support. A defining feature of Mr. Adewale’s professional approach is his emphasis on functional independence and meaningful participation. His work focuses on helping children develop skills in communication, social interaction, learning, motor development, self-help and practical life, with the goal of supporting their participation across home, school and community environments.

From his beginnings in mainstream education in 2007, through his transition into autism and special-needs intervention in 2011, to his continuing development in Applied Behaviour Analysis and his leadership of BRAE, Mr. Ajao has maintained a sustained commitment to improving behavioural, educational and developmental support for children and families in Nigeria.

It is in recognition of his Sterling Accomplishments in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Behaviour Therapy for Special Needs Children in Nigeria that Mr. Adewale Kamilu Ajao is deemed worthy to be conferred with the Nigerian Achievement Award.