KUCHING: The corporate sector and companies have been called to provide more opportunities for capable autistic individuals to become interns or trainees and subsequently be offered jobs.
Kuching Autistic Association (KAA) vice president Cynthia Jee said it is hoped there will be more ‘autism buddies’ who are willing to give chances to these autistic individuals after they leave school at the age of 18 or 19.
“We hope for a place where they (autistic individuals) can make their own living and grow old together with their friends when their parents are no longer around in this world to care for them anymore,” she said.
She told this to reporters at the Kuching World Autism Day organised by the KAA Resource and Education Centre, Pusat Integrasi Pintar (PIP), and Kuching Association of Talent Development and Welfare of Special Needs (KATSN) at Padang Merdeka here today (April 2).
Cynthia also raised concerns about who will look after autistic individuals if their parents are no longer around.
“When they are younger (under 18 years old), they are still able to attend daily school or daycare centres.
“However, after completing their education, the majority of them are placed under the care of their grandparents or other guardians. Meanwhile, their parents fall in the age range of 40 to 50, and their siblings are either in their 20s or teenagers.
“Are they capable of taking care of themselves? For those who are able to take care of themselves, that is great.
“What about those who are not able to take care of themselves? Those non-verbal or aggressive ones? How are we to rely on grandparents to take care of them? Are we parents, especially those with older children, able to look after them? Will other siblings or cousins care for them by then?
“Therefore, we hope there will be more family members who can grow together with our autistic children and guide them as they enter adulthood,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dayang Kamisah Abang Selim, a mother whose son is autistic, said she totally agrees that companies should give autistic individuals a chance at job opportunities based on their capabilities and skills.
“I do encounter a company that hires autistic individuals to work at their premises, and this is very good.
“However, there still are cases where some autistic individuals may need the care of their parents after the age of 18, and this is understandable,” said the 30-year-old mother of one.
As for Liz Farrah, she also welcomed the suggestion by KAA and said it will benefit the autistic individuals who are able to work.
“However, the companies need to have the patients and teach and guide them on what they can contribute to the company,” she said.
The 44-year-old mother, whose son is also autistic, said for those who have autism and depending on their skills, for instance, they can be trained further in culinary skills.
