Khairin Nisa (second from left) looking at an art display during Autism Day 2024 in Johor Baru.
JOHOR government is making sure that everyone, including people on the autism spectrum, will be provided with opportunities to help them fulfil their true potential.
State women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin Nisa Ismail said alongside steps to create public awareness of autism, there should be concrete effort to celebrate the uniqueness of every individual on the spectrum.
“They require our understanding, support as well as an equal chance for them to grow and become successful.
“The government is committed in our effort to make sure that everyone will get access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities,” she said before launching Autism Day 2024 organised by JCorp Foundation in Johor Baru.
Khairin Nisa, who is also Serom assemblyman, said the state government believed that with the right support, each of these special individuals could achieve their potential.
She also said the government encouraged all levels of the community to come together in an effort to build an inclusive society, where every individual, regardless of ability, would be given opportunities to become successful.
Khairin Nisa recalled a time when the presence of individuals with autism had not been well recognised.
She thus urged all levels of communities to heed the state government’s call to unite and build an inclusive society.
“Right now, people everywhere – especially Malaysians – have become more aware of the presence of autistic individuals and that they need to be given a chance and love from all of us.
“We can see it through mainstream media and social media that show much information about autism.
“This is a positive development but we should not just show it visually or in writing.
“Instead, we should extend this improvement to how we treat them,” she said.
Khairin Nisa also applauded parents and families who were raising children with autism, as doing so required strong willpower.
“Always believe that with all of your patience and strength in raising an autistic child, there is a great reward that awaits.
“Do not have a feeling of wanting to give up on these special children because it is not they who need us, but we who need them as a reward in the hereafter,” she added.
Khairin Nisa said parents with autistic children should always be vigilant when picking non-governmental organisations to help them raise their child.
She said that there were many associations that had been set up to help create awareness and provide opportunities to children with autism so that they could lead productive lives.
“These associations are active in gathering autistic children and their families, as a way of creating a platform to share information that will help these special needs children get the same focus and opportunities as other children do.
“However, I would like to remind parents and guardians of autistic children to choose associations that are registered under agencies that are recognised by the government,” she advised. — MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
