Because Parents’ Resource for Autism (PR4A) is about giving mutual support to families with autism, it is our endeavour to stand in the gap for those who do not have the means to help their affected children. How? We enlist experts in their respective fields to train parents on various teaching strategies so that they in turn, can pass on their skills to others in their location. Sow the seeds of knowledge and multiply. That’s our hope to empower parents.

For a start, we have set up our PR4A centre in Bandar Utama(BU), Selangor early this year with the seed money we received last year at our inaugural fund raising dinner and art exhibition. We hope to do more: a centre each in the northern, southern and eastern regions in the peninsula as well as one each in Sabah and Sarawak.

To keep the BU centre running, we need at least RM2,000 a month. At present, the centre is managed by parents on a voluntary basis. In order to reach out to more parents, we need resources.

That is why we are appealing to you. RM1 a day for a year. That’s all it takes. We are, of course, more than happy, if you want to give more than what we ask.

Autism is costly. Because it is a brain disorder, impacting learning, speech, behaviour and senses, different therapies are employed to help a child with autism. With a ratio of 1:150 and higher prevalence among males, time is of the essence in addressing autism. The sooner a child gets the necessary interventions, the better. To help a person with autism gain grounds in communication, it entails structured, intensive teachings. The tried and tested methods  include behavioural modification therapy, namely Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) in which visual supports are used to help a child makes sense of his environment. There is the Sensory Integrated therapy to help those with problems with hand-eye coordination, body balance as well as aversions to sight, sound, light and touch. And as the child grows, other therapies are incorporated to meet specific needs. Learning to play musical instruments, paint and cook as well as acquiring other self help skills are just some of the examples.

As families come face to face with autism, they have to count the cost. Not just the economic cost but also the social, emotional as well as the educational costs. How far a person with autism can realise his full potential depends very much on the support he gets. At the individual level, it is the immediate family/caregiver. At the macro level, it hinges on the extent the government goes in terms of providing healthcare, education and job opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Is the Persons With Disabilities Act 2008 adequate to safeguard the rights of the disabled? Do the health and educational systems provide the vital diagnosis, follow ups and interventions? Is the Ministry of Education able to support students with disabilities when less than 2 per cent of its RM21 billion budget is allocated to them? Is the Social Welfare Department’s services disabled-friendly? Is the tax relief for affected families sufficient? These are some of the concerns parents raise regularly.
           
In the end, as the primary caregivers, the onus is still on us, the parents, to be the provider and advocate of sorts for our children. That is why we truly appreciate it if you work hand in hand with us. Help us so that our children with autism can help themselves.

Thank you.

K C Lim
President
Parents’ Resource for Autism (PR4A): Supporting Families with Autism