Children with autism are often misunderstood and they are also vulnerable to predators who are aware of their condition. Photo: Pixabay
One in four children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism) is known to be abused, says Federation of Reproductive Health Associations Malaysia (FRHAM) chairman Dr Kamal Kenny.
“Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism) are more vulnerable to predators, who may be aware of their condition,” he says.
“Those on the high end of the spectrum are non-verbal and can’t communicate or articulate their thoughts to those around them, including caregivers. It’s already difficult for non-autistic children to articulate about horrendous acts done to them, what more autistic children who are non-verbal – how would they be able to communicate about it? As such, predators are more likely to get away with the abuse – which could be physical or sexual,” he adds.
Dr Kamal, who is also a consultant and social psychologist, was speaking at a recent roundtable discussion on “Autism: Stigma & Vulnerability” in Petaling Jaya organised by FRHAM and Malaysian Council of Child Welfare with the support of MAHSA International School.
“FRHAM has always been concerned about the sexual reproductive needs of the mainstream community in Malaysia. But there is a great need among the marginalised and special needs communities. So, the purpose of the roundtable is to address the stigma and vulnerability of people living with autism and to elevate the level of awareness and dispel misconceptions surrounding people with autism,” he says.
Awareness, advocacy and action
(From left) Sharmilah Rajendran (moderator), Dr Kamal, Dr Raj and Suresh at the ‘Autism: Stigma and Vulnerability’ Roundtable Discussion. Photo: The Star/Ming Teoh
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex condition that leads to challenges with social communication and interaction, and repetitive behaviour. It is a lifelong disorder, can affect an individual’s ability to function and even result in them being deprived of their rights such as sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Autism is often misunderstood and people with autism usually face stigma which can have a negative effect on their overall wellbeing.
According to the Ministry of Health, in 2021, a total of 589 children aged 18 and below have been diagnosed with autism, up five per cent from 562 children in 2020. According to the Wise Voter, Malaysia’s total population with autism ranked 50 and child population with autism ranked 57, globally.
Datuk Dr Raj Abdul Karim, Malaysian Council For Child Welfare president says there is a need for policies that address issues faced by children with autism.
“While there is a general policy for disability, and in Dec 2022, there were plans to start a national council and integrated intervention centre for autism because the Health Minister at that time, Khairy Jamaluddin has an autistic son. However, since then, it hasn’t been implemented,” she says.
Then, there is the question of where children on the spectrum belong – in the health, education, social welfare, or women and community sector, says Raj.
“But, what we need to do now is to recognise that autism is a disability. Parents need to start therapy as soon as possible because early intervention therapy is necessary to help the child have a better future,” she advises.
“And although the Education Ministry has an inclusion policy, it is a general one and doesn’t cover autism. Specialised resources are needed because children who are autistic can’t be taught or trained in the same way as other children. They need special training skills, communication and syllabus, and there is a need to train special teachers who are dedicated to the cause,” she says.
However, a holistic approach is required, and caregivers and parents – who are the first level of recourse for the autistic child – also need to be given the training and tools too, says Raj.
Panelists with students from MAHSA International School who attended the event to learn. Photo: The Star/Ming Teoh
Misunderstood
Autism advocate Surresh Unnikrishnan reveals his “journey” started when his son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of four and a half years old.
Suresh, who is also the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) Gombak chairman, highlights that besides being in danger of abuse from others, there are autistic children who abuse themselves, such as banging their heads on the wall or floor.
“At special children’s centres, parents sometimes query why their kids have bruises or scratches on their body, and when we investigate further, we find out that the child was unhappy due to a disagreement with another child over some toys, and he/she ended up banging himself/herself on the floor,” he explains.
“Parents who have kids on the extreme end of the spectrum and especially if there is more than one kid who has autism, face a lot of difficulties. Each kid may be on different level of the spectrum – from mild to extreme – and it’s difficult to manage all of them,” he adds.
According to Suresh, contrary to common perception, an autistic child might not be “slow”, but “wonderfully gifted” in areas such as music, art or mathematics.
He cites Kodi Lee, a 27-year old Korean American singer-songwriter and pianist who won the 14th season of America’s Got Talent. He is blind, autistic and has Addison’s disease.
Even famous personalities like Bill Gates, Greta Thunberg, and Elon Musk have been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome which is a form of autism, says Suresh.
Even famous personalities like Bill Gates, Greta Thunberg, and Elon Musk have been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome which is a form of autism. Photo: Pixabay
A lot of children who are “misunderstood” as being “naughty” or “misbehaving” are actually autistic. It’s a developmental disorder, he says.
One of the concerns parents and caregivers have is when an autistic child reaches puberty and has to handle their raging hormones.
“Whether they’re male or female, they aren’t aware of what’s appropriate behaviour, and might be touching themselves or exposing themselves in public,” says Suresh.
He advises parents and caregivers not to shy away from the subject.
“Don’t just tell the kid not to do it. Try to engage with them on their level and make them understand there’s a right and wrong place for everything. If they need to, do it privately in their own room or ‘safe zone’, and not in public,” he says.
“And, teach them about good and bad touch so that they’ll know how to safeguard themselves against predators.”
Suresh advises parents and caregivers of autistic children to actively research and take courses on early autism intervention.
“When my son was first diagnosed, we started researching on Google and looking for early intervention courses for parents/caregivers of autistic children. It all starts from the parents and caregivers who need to train themselves before even sending to the child to an early intervention centre,” he concludes.
