Kota Kinabalu: The community in Sabah should have high awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as it would help provide for those with special needs.
National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) Director Delin Blaun said community are still estranged from understanding ASD which have led them to be prejudicial towards those diagnosed with the disorder.
In such situation, she said most people would consider autistic children or people as “different” than those considered normal to have negative perception towards them.
“Autistic people such as children diagnosed with the disorder usually have ‘normal’ appearance but act differently. Many will consider them as weird, slow, loners and rude, among others.
“With this, the community should have higher awareness of this disorder and understand the needs of autistic children as well as identify improvements required while at the same time improve these individuals’ potential,” she said at the Third University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Sunset Autism Run 2023 at Pusat Minda Lestari, here.
Blaun said the community should obtain accurate understanding as it would encourage them to accept those with autism instead of discriminating them.
Through better understanding, she said it would be easier for parents with children diagnosed with autism to take necessary measures especially in terms of early intervention to them with training and adaptation.
“Scientific studies have proven that early intervention can help children with their learning abilities, social skills and ability to communicate with others. These special needs (children) from autism category do not only require academic education but also skills to communicate and socialise.
“This would be a great help to the children as it would help train them to be independent and achieve their dreams while at the same time provide them with the opportunity to work productively to be part of a perfect life,” she added.
She hoped that efforts carried out by various parties and organisations would impact the community in improving awareness not only to understand but also to accept and channel necessary aid for the children of special needs.
Blaun also commended Sabah Autism Society (SAS) and UMS along with other agencies for their continuous commitment and roles in organising programmes and activities as part of their awareness campaign for the community.
Meanwhile, SAS Chairperson Jennifer Balanting said the programme was held as part of a charity campaign for the establishment of a new vocational centre to train and provide autistic children aged 12 years and above with skills and abilities to be independent.
She said the centre would be set up next to the existing Early Intervention Centre of the National Autism of Society Malaysia (Nasom) Kota Kinabalu at Taman Salut Perdana, Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).
“An estimated 30 children will be trained and educated by six tutors in the new centre. We are currently struggling to cope with the increase in trainees at our existing centres and are in dire need of a new vocational facility. Because if this, we hope to get the help for these children,” she added.
In addition, she said the Sunset Autism Run was held to foster awareness among the community as well as a better understanding of ASD while at the same time provide opportunities for families with leisure and social activities.
“Indirectly, this event also encourages parents who are facing emotional and psychological difficulties to have the opportunity to interact with others and share opinions on the management of autistic children.
“Through this event, we also hope that the local community will have a better understanding towards autism and increase their level of knowledge about the disorder,” she added.
The 3rd University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Sunset Autism Run 2023 organised by SAS and UMS saw some 600 participations.
The event was carried out in two categories comprising a 7km run and 2.5km walk which gave parents the opportunity to spend time with their children – especially those with autism – while at the same time socialize with other families.
