Support from families, colleagues, employers and other stakeholders including penghulu mukim and village heads, non-governmental organisations, as well as all levels of society is vital to raise awareness on autism and ensure all differently-abled individuals are given equal opportunity to improve their quality of life from all aspects. The Minister of Health in a message in conjunction with the World Autism Awareness Day celebration shared that the Ministry of Health will always monitor on the development of matters pertaining to autism and take necessary measures.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar also stated the World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated every 2nd of April with the aim to raise awareness and commitment towards efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism and provide them equal opportunity to achieve the main goal of improving their quality of life from all aspects throughout their lives.
Over the last ten years at the Child Development Centre, in average approximately 148 were diagnosed with autism each year, and the trend of children with autism is on the rise. In this regard, the Child Development Centre, Ministry of Health not only provides regular health screening services, it also has various services to support the early development of children with autism.
This year’s theme is Transformation: Toward a Neuro-Inclusive World for All. The theme aims to raise awareness on the contributions that have and can be made by autistic individuals to the society, and towards achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Source: Radio Television Brunei