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 Sarawak Autistic Association (SAA)
The Sarawak Autistic Association (SAA) was formed by a group of parents of autistic children and professionals on 18 January, 1998 and was registered as an N.G.O. on 6 May, 1998. Objectives:
To promote the identification, treatment, education, welfare and acceptance of Sarawakians with autism so as to assist such people to develop their full potential.
To promote knowledge and sympathetic understanding of the problems and behaviour of children with autism.
To watch over, protect, and act in the interests of autistic individuals and others with autistic-like features.
To provide assistance and advice for the families with autistic children.
To develop and arouse public awareness of autism and promote community involvement and support for the people with autism and their families.
To familiarise and advise the community of the special skills, services and understanding necessary for the care and management of autistic people. Activities of SAA
SAA had organised a seminar and a workshop on behaviour management by a behaviour consultant in 1998 and 1999 respectively as well as a workshop on language stimulation by a speech pathologist/therapist in 1999. SAA Resource & Educational Centre
This centre was set up in February 1999. At present there are 16 autistic children attending classes at this centre, which uses applied behaviour analysis method of one to one teaching. 5 teachers, 2 assistant teachers and a clerk are employed in this centre. The centre also has books, booklets, notes, and pamphlets on autism in English. Reprints are available at a minimal charge. Application for Membership
Membership is opened to any parent with an autistic child residing in Sarawak and any individuals above the age of 18 who are interested in the activities of SAA. Applicants should fill in the prescribed form obtainable from the SAA Resource and Educational Centre. The entrance fee is RM 100.00 and the annual subscription fee is RM 60.00. What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disability due to, a neurological disorder that affects functioning of the brain. It is a spectrum disorder which means that the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations from mild to severe. Many investigators now agree that autistic children have a wide range of intellectual competencies ranging from profound mental retardation to superior intelligence. Individuals with autism respond well to a highly structured, specialised education and behaviour modification programme tailored to the individual needs of the person. In the west, autistic individuals have been able to achieve Masters and PhD degrees.
This proves that there is hope that some autistic children can develop their potential and become responsible and productive citizens. For adults who are more severely affected, group homes and sheltered workshops need to be set up to provide them with the means to earn a living. Early onset autism can be diagnosed when the child is still young, perhaps by the age of 18 months. However, some children develop normally until between 3 years to 4 years of age.
Then, autistic symptoms begin to emerge. Such "regressive autism" or late onset autism may be due to the presence of Candida albicans, vaccinations, exposure to a virus or the onset of seizures. Statistic
Autism occurs in 1 out of 500 live births. Boys are four times more likely to be affected. The chance of its occurrence is not affected by race, social class, family income, or the educational levels of the parents. Some areas affected by autism are:
Communication
Language can be slow to develop and some autistic individuals may never learn to speak. In some cases, speech is developed but is lost. Verbal autistic children may not know how to participated in a conversation. They may also be unable to understand the use of non-verbal communication or gestures. Social Interaction
The autistic persons may like to be alone and may show little interest in cultivating friendships. Maintaining eye contact can be difficult for them. Sensory Impairment
Physical sensations may be reacted to in an unusual manner. They may be overly sensitive or under-responsive to pain, sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. Play
There can be a lack of spontaneous or imaginative play. Thay may be poor in imitation skills or not know how to initiate pretend play. Behaviour
They may regularly display repetitive movements such as hand flapping, twirling, humming, moving around in circles, rocking, head banging, twisting of fingers or twiddling locks of hair. Some may resist changes in routine or environment which can lead to major temper tantrums. How can the public help?
It is hoped that the government, corporate bodies, service clubs and the general public will extend their help through financial assistance to enable SAA to build a better future for the autistic individuals in our country. Better educational and vocational training for them will enable them to lead more independent lives so that they will be less of a burden to their families and society in future. Donation & Enquiry
All donations and enquiry should be addressed to:
SAA Resource and Educational Centre
No. 9 Lorong 5
Jalan Durian Burung
93350 Kuching
Tel: 082-578107
Fax: 082-578106
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