SIBU: A superficial knowledge of autism in the community has given rise to much prejudice against people with autism.
Disclosing this, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said many who do not know any better consider children with autism to be strange, sluggish, insular, uncivilised and so on.
“We know that autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that occurs in early childhood. Usually, children diagnosed with autism will have challenges with social communication, grapple with certain repetitive behaviour and experience delays in learning.
“Our society has got many problems, I urge all of us to join hands in making our community better,” he said in his address at the Sibu Autistic Association’s (SAA) graduation dinner cum parents gathering held in a hotel here on yesterday evening (Dec 9).
Tiong who is Bintulu Member of Parliament said it is unfortunate that some segment of today’s society still lacks understanding on autism to have empathy with the families, parents, or guardians who are bringing up children on the spectrum.
He said the appearance of children with autism is no different from that of ordinary children.
However, he noted that their behaviour can be very different from those of ordinary children, which needs special care.
On the event, he said it is an opportunity for all parent to share their experiences and take part in the fellowship of bringing up children with special needs.
“I would like to thank the president of SAA David Ngu Tai Giin for his tireless effort to support children’s causes. Regarding the new building project he mentioned, I will communicate with the Sarawak Planning Authority (SPA) and also the Premier,” he added.
Tiong who is also Dudong assemblyman, later announced a contribution of RM50,000 to the SAA.
