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DE’ UNITE: SHE 101 – HIMPUNAN LAPORAN TEKNIKAL PROJEK PELAJAR

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful Alhamdulillah, all praises to Allah for
the strengths and His blessing in completing this project. Special appreciation goes to our lecturer
Ethnic Relations SHE 101, Dr Isham Shah, for his supervision and constant support. His invaluable help
of constructive comments and suggestions throughout the project have contributed to the success of
this project. We would like to express my appreciation to Coordinator of National Autism Society of
Malaysia, Melaka (NASOM), Mrs Noramiza binti Dolmat for her help to succeed our project. Our
acknowledgement also goes to all the teachers and office staffs of National Autism Society of Malaysia,
Melaka for their co-operations. Sincere thanks to all group members Dhika, Aqilah, Hafeezul and Afiq
for their cooperation and teamwork to finish this project. Last but not least, our deepest gratitude
goes to Aqilah parents Mrs. Normala binti Othman for helping us to come support this project. To those
who indirectly contributed in this project, your kindness means a lot to us. Thank you very much.

1.0 Autism Awareness in Malaysia

Autism awareness is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life
span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and
support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into
causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.

1.1 Has Public Awareness of Autism Increased and How Has It Helped?

Public awareness of autism has increased, and more children are being identified as having ASD at
an earlier age. Increased awareness has helped autistic children have access to equal education similar
to a normal child. Awareness also means early diagnosis, treatments and positive behavioural support
which are crucial for children on the Autism Spectrum. Increased awareness translates into increased
acceptance. In the process we hope that Malaysians will realize that not all people are born the same
and that some people are more challenge and have special requirements. We have to ensure that such
people get all the help they need in order to succeed.

1.2 What Will Happen To People With Autism Eventually?

The long-term question for all parents of people with autism is who would look after their children
when they are gone? There is a private organization named National Autism Society of Malaysia
(NASOM) has embarked on a programme to help young adults with autism live independently, away
from home. They have set up group homes, where these young adults live together with a supervisor.
It is an important programme because it helps the adults with autism get on the path of living
independently. Besides this it is also necessary to teach them skills which will allow them to be gainfully
employed or self-employed so that they will have a degree of financial independence as well.

1.3 How They Can Be Helped?

Although there is no known cure, children with autism have emerged from their autistic disabilities
to function like a near-normal child. This is achieved through early intervention and rehabilitation
programme, which till today, offers the best hope for children with autism. Intensive Early Intervention
in optimal educational settings results in improved outcomes in most young children with autism,
including speech in 75% or more and significant improvements in rates of developmental progress and
intellectual performance.
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