Helping Autistic Realise Full Potential
By Finaz Daniel

Bandar Seri Begawan - Long-term approaches and intervention should be set in motion for the recovery of all individuals afflicted with autism - a pervasive developmental disorder to ensure that they are given equal opportunities in mainstream society to help them reach their full potential.

Services for autistic adults, changes in curriculum, proper teaching techniques and strategies for autistic children, opportunities for continuous education and job opportunities are some of the approaches that need to be considered and deliberated immediately to ensure that autistic individuals enjoy a normal life for as long as possible.

This was highlighted by Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman at the launching of World Autism Awareness Day held at Ripas Hospital yesterday organised by Smarter Brunei, a member of the World Autism Organisation.

"Children with autism are a part of "tunas bangsa' (nation's youth)", said the minister as a reminder that individuals with autism should be regarded first and foremost as persons.

Autism provides a lifelong challenge to government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector in aspects of health, education, training and intervention programmes which would have a big impact on children, parents, families and the community, said the minister.

Some 35 million people in the world are afflicted with autism and Brunei statistics dictate that more than 400 individuals to date are diagnosed with autism with 50 individuals diagnosed respectively in 2006 and last year.

Smarter Brunei with collaboration and cooperation from the Child Development Centre (CDC), Ministry of Health and Special Education Unit at the Ministry of Education are working towards increasing and developing knowledge of autism and imparting information regarding the importance of early proper diagnosis and early intervention.

"We all have our strengths and weaknesses and we should all focus on the strengths, not the weaknesses," said Malai Hj Abdullah Malai Hj Othman, president of the Smarter association, in his speech.

"What they (autistic individuals) need is support, understanding, compassion and empathy and above all else, a chance to prove that they are human beings like everyone else," said the Smarter president.

"When we think of an individual with autism, we must aim to empower them," said the Smarter president. "This is what our programme is all about - to empower the family as well as the individual with autism to gain control over their own lives."

Smarter will also be conducting workshops for parents, therapists and other relevant professionals in Sensory Processing Integration Strategy, home programmes and basic visual strategy, to name a few.

The association also officially launched their own charity shop called the Smarter Autism Shop which sells donated items from the public as a way of generating income.

Themed "Don't 'Dis' the Ability", yesterday's event marked the start of the World Autism Awareness Day roadshow organised by Smarter, which will go on for the whole of April at various venues around the country.

Smarter's next roadshow will be held at The Mall, Gadong on April 6, Kuala Belait Soon Lee Mall on April 13 and Tutong Petani Mall and Berakas Dewan Pahlawan on April 20.

This awareness programme will culminate with a Smarter Annual Challenge called 7-Hills Charity Challenge on April 27 where the public can test their endurance by climbing seven hills in continuous succession in one day.

Participants will proceed along Tasek, Markuching, Subok, Pancaran Subok, Mentiri, Berakas and end in Bukit Shahbandar. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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