Brunei's Extended Family System Praised

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei's extended families are the central pillars of the society, a foreign envoy said yesterday.

The Australian High Commissioner in Brunei Mr Allaister Cox said this at the launching of the 2nd National Conference on Autism at the Suri Begawan Sultan Religious College in Jalan Tutong yesterday.

He added that gives families in Brunei the advantage of a head start in managing autism related issues.

However, it was essential that the strength of the family be augmented through understanding, knowledge and skills to direct and design strategies to help the people cope with autism.

He said the fact that autism is not one particular disorder but covers a spectrum of developmental issues and problems from fairly mild forms to the profoundly deep makes it challenging to diagnose and manage or treat it effectively.

He added the uncertainties and unknowns of what is a complex set of phenomena often increases the pressure on families emotionally, physically and financially.

This, Mr Cox added that it underscores a strong value of community and family support groups such as Brunei's Society for the Management of Autism Related Issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER).

The Vice President of SMARTER, Haji Roslan said he hoped to create and autism-friendly atmosphere in the sultanate and the association hopes to create an Autism Friendly Secondary School.

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