AS another World Autism Week comes to a close, we wonder what will be the next step for autistic Malaysians.
The growing knowledge of autism is there.
We should look at how we can integrate autistic people into society.
As a relative of someone who is autistic, I can empathise with families who are in a similar situation.
Autism covers a wide spectrum and those who identify with it are as varied as the rest of their neurotypical counterparts.
It is not about Rain Man (the movie).
How families deal with it, however, is easier to generalise.
You’ll find relatives who “pray the sickness away”; the ones who call it an “oddity” of rizq (defined as anything that brings benefits or goodness to us) rather than a condition.
Malaysia is not short on facilities for the autistic, but, there is room for improvement.
There are schools for the disabled that partner with multinational companies for workshops and programmes.
However, there is a lack of facilities in such schools that cater to specialised needs, such as autism.
Mainstream schools are ill-equipped to deal with autistic students because teachers are not trained in the discipline.
Classes catered for children with learning difficulties, when available, usually have a long wait.
It’s as if education is a secondary need for the autistic, when it should be a priority.
In Western countries, autistic people are encouraged to go out more and not stay in the safety of the four walls of their homes.
Being out there enables them to grasp independent life skills, such as greeting familiar faces or buying things in stores.
The West doesn’t have all the answers on how Malaysia can cater for autistic people.
But, Malaysia has a strong family network, technology and public spaces and an efficient transport system.
Autistic people aren’t sob stories.
They’re not relatives to be ashamed of. They are not to be pitied either.
When my relative sidesteps to his favourite music spot while we’re going for dinner, he’s not asking for my permission.
He is stating that he wants to go there.
He’s not being difficult or spoilt, he’s being a typical 21 year old who likes to listen to music without his headphones.
Malaysia is well known for its warm, friendly and inclusive culture, yet, there are Malaysians who are reluctant to adopt a culture of inclusion for those who are different.
There is potential for Malaysia to improve its autism facilities.
Businesses are a good start. Autistic patrons are sensitive to noise, so open the outlets in the morning where there is little activity.
There are countries that have set aside mornings for the autistic to frequent shops and cinemas.
More should be done to promote awareness. Business outlets could arrange field trips for the autistic and their family members, or offer discounts or free entries to cinemas and shows.
Imagine an entire crowd of autistic people paying concessions. We should make things better for the autistic. They need to feel included, not excluded or shunned.
Let’s have a change of mindset and include them in our surroundings.
FARAH RAHMAN
Kuala Lumpur