‘Communicate with workers who have autism to unlock their true potential’

PETALING JAYA: Social stigma and obstacles in communicating are among the huge challenges faced by autistic communities, say groups working with them.

Apart from overcoming the misconception that people with autism do not make good workers, they say it is also important for the public and employers to find different approaches to get the message across.

“The key is to understand and find different approaches in communicating with them,” said United Voice lead coordinator Yeong Moh Foong.

She said that autistic individuals can be capable workers and should be given an opportunity, noting how they would strive to learn and do things well once they have found something that interests them.

“Some may be visual learners. Others prefer to have more hands-on learning. They usually have no issues in working or picking up new tasks or skills.

“It is however important to note that they sometimes tend to learn and see things differently which is why different communication approaches may be needed to teach them,” she said.

Established in 2005, United Voice has been working on self-advocacy and to reduce the isolation of people with learning disabilities. It empowers them with the tools and experience to work, socialise and take control of their lives.

Yeong said that job coaches in United Voice would help those with autism find employment, while also providing lessons on self advocacy, communication and vocational skills.

Meanwhile, Autism Cafe Project founder Mohd Adli Yahya said overcoming stigmas was crucial towards helping those with autism integrate into society.

The Autism Cafe Project is a social enterprise aimed at training autistic youth to be independent and to earn an income.

“Some have the impression that those with autism are harder to employ due to their behaviour, tantrums or being unable to follow instructions.”

He spoke about situations when autistic individuals were not matched with jobs that could leverage on their strengths, which led to a negative outcome.

“Matching autistic individuals with jobs that utilise their strength is a solution that gives a win-win situation for all as they can be very efficient at their tasks.

“Opportunities must be given to let them prove themselves. It also shows the public that they are capable of giving back to society,” Mohd Adli said.

To date, he said more than 50 autistic individuals had benefitted from their programme.