Navigating life with autism in Malaysia presents unique challenges, especially for expats raising children. From community engagement to educational support, these local organisations are leading the way in offering meaningful opportunities and fostering a more inclusive society for those with autism.

This article contributed by Katrina Ling.

Growing up or raising children diagnosed with autism can be challenging when moving abroad. Culture plays a large role in day-to-day aspects of their condition. How much an environment has social awareness and acceptance of autism will affect their interactions with people, confidence, and overall quality of life.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder characterised by its sensory and communication difficulties, as well as restrictive behaviour patterns. Unfortunately, Malaysia’s knowledge and perception towards the disorder leave much to be desired. While many are reasonably aware of it, they lack the same amount of compassion and understanding. Nevertheless, we’re doing considerably better than a time when special education for the mentally-impaired didn’t even exist, which was just 30 years ago.

But education is just one part of a child’s life. There are numerous unique activities which can help expand the avenues for autistic children and teens, not only to make friends and try out hobbies, but mark their presence in a public that desperately needs to see them. Whether you’re a parent doing their best to support their child’s ASD or just a loyal reader of ExpatGo, here are some of Malaysia’s best organisations empowering the community – groups that you should know about:

AUTISM CAFÉ PROJECT

This little haven located in Kota Damansara invites autistic youth to have fun in what many their age have not begun doing yet: cooking! Although they serve a range of local rice dishes, the Autism Café Project gained popularity for their baked goods, which founder Adli Yahya promises are made with ‘the secret ingredients of love and desire.’ In the first quarter of this year, they’ve been especially busy selling CNY or Raya cookies.

The Autism Café Project started in 2016 as a place for members to integrate into society through employment. Not only does the Café train them to prepare food, it guides them in handling sales at public events or schools. If you didn’t get to catch them in person at their kiosk, they also readily accept orders over WhatsApp. Their cookies can sell for up to RM30 per jar, but there are a few other ways you can support them, too. Whether you sponsor a meal pack, donate, or even volunteer in the kitchen, you can help these teens solidify their place in the working world.

J8 AUTISM ATHLETICS

The ‘J8’ in this sports group’s name is taken from their founder’s initial, Joel Antony, and the infinity symbol, which represents the ‘infinite possibilities for people with ASD.’ Despite this, J8 Autism Athletics welcomes children with ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or other learning disabilities to play a wide variety of sports with them. With classes taking place in different venues, children get the chance to play tennis, football, and even learn swimming.

The vision of J8 is not just for these kids to get fit. In general, people are less aware of the sensory needs pertaining to autism, something which the organisation accommodates in helping them to refine motor skills and coordination. Online, J8 is also sharing more exercise tips for ASD kids, educating people on how we can be inclusive in the fitness field.

MUSIC MART

Oftentimes we may think of music therapy involving the piano or string instrument because they are capable of producing calming music. But the Rhythm Interactive Special Enablers (RISE) workshop is bringing something louder to the picture: drums. The program is held by Music Mart and developed by Edwin Nathaniel, a musician and percussionist who believes no child should be left behind. He first began teaching spastic children in 2000 and opened Music Mart in 2006, attracting both neurotypical and special needs children to their classes.

The RISE program took 13 years to come together, helping to assist ASD kids in both sensory and communicative areas. With all instruments provided by the school, children can improve their listening skills, motor coordination, and turn-taking. The program also invites neurotypical participants to make music together in a drum circle, so not only do students have the chance to make friends within their interests, those outside the autism community can build exposure and understanding from a more personal perspective.

Many more organisations in need of support can be found through The National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM). As the mainstay of autism support in the country, they provide the essential information and services pertaining to the wellbeing of ASD individuals. Kudos to all these fine organisations. Let’s celebrate those who are making a difference for the neurodivergent in Malaysia today!