CIRCUMCISION OF IWA OF SMARTER Brunei
By: Jess M. Afable

Five IWA of SMARTER Brunei whose age ranges from 10 to 12 years old underwent circumcision which was held at Ripas Hospital. This activity was organized by SMARTER Brunei. This was the second time that the SMARTER Brunei organised this kind of activity, the first one was on June 2009. This only shows that the programme of SMARTER Brunei holistic one.
Before the actual day of the circumcision activity, the IWA passed through a series of one month training at BACA as well as at Ripas Hopital. We used pictures and video clips as one of the tools to train IWA. We took the pictures of the different areas at Ripas where they have visited, things at Ripas Hospital that they encountered and things of the Doctors and Nurses used during the process of circumcision and the photos of the Nurses and Doctors who were involved in the process of circumcision at Ripas that was presented to them at BACA. Video clips of taking blood sample, taking blood pressure and physical examination were also shown to them and then we practiced each IWA for taking blood sample, taking blood pressure and physical examination, before the real activity at Ripas. They were well informed what they had expected at Ripas as IWA prefers predictability in their lives.
IWA visited Ripas Hospital four times before the actual activity, twice for familiarization process for them to be familiar with the different places at Ripas as well as with the Doctors and Nurses who took care of them during the process of circumcision, once for physical examination and once for blood taking. We saw in their faces and how they reacted that during these activities that they were all equip and were all ready for the activities.
On the actual day of the circumcision, IWA arrived around 7:30AM and stayed first at Day Ward Room at Ripas hospital while waiting for their turn to go to the Operating Theatre (OT) to be circumcised and for them to fully recover from the effect of the anesthesia. While waiting for their turn, they have their own ways to keep themselves calmed. One IWA was enjoying listening Michael Jackson’s famous song “Beat It and Thriller”, one was enjoying playing Game boy, one was enjoying playing Jolly Phonics keyboard, one was enjoying watching spinning electric fan on the ceiling and the other one was busy following me and the nurses in sending IWA to the Operating Theatre.
Generally, the activity was successful. Only one IWA was uncomfortable after he noticed blood on his genitals. One of the IWAs wore underwear and jeans independently right after he fully recovered from the effect of the anesthesia. All of the IWA went out of Ripas Hospital building walking minimal assist.
This activity will not be as successful as expected without the help of all the staffs of Ripas specially to Sir Hj Khairol who were involved in the whole process of this activity.

"Bowling with Friends" At the Empire Hotel & Country Club"

The Community Adaptation of Brunei Autism Centre for Adults (B.A.C.A) of SMARTER Brunei was held last 30^th November 2009. Around 30 people participated in the activity including 18 IWAs, siblings, aunties, parents and therapists. The activity was sponsored by the Empire Hotel & Country Club. Empire staffs were there to interact, assist, and play bowling with our IWAs.

The activity in

tegrated learned concepts such as waiting, turn taking, eye – hand coordination, social skills like communication skills and social graces. It has exposed the IWAs to real life community setting wherein they were able to participate actively and have fun. It has created awareness also to the community to have a positive outlook through understanding the unique skills of Individuals with Autism.

The month long preparation included the used of visuals such as pictures and powerpoint presentation of the different areas, equipments used, service providers and the steps on how to play bowling in the bowling alley.

Simulations of the activity were done during leisure time wherein they used a real bowling ball.

We had one familiarization day in the Empire Hotel & Country Club last 21st November 2009. Even if we only stayed one hour in the venue, the IWAs showed what they have learned. The teachers were amazed when most of them went straight to the counter and politely asked the attendant to borrow the bowling shoes. The teachers did not need to ask them to do so. The familiarization day had created greater excitement for the upcoming actual activity.

During the actual day, everyone was excited wearing their bowling attire and waiting for the time to leave. While travelling, you could see the smiles on their faces. The whole activity went on smoothly; they were cheering one another every time their friend would hit a bowling pin while waiting for their turn. Our IWAs even let the Empire staffs to assist and show them how to use the bowling ball roller (equipment used to assist to roll the ball hard enough to reach and hit the bowling pins). For first time bowlers, they were able to get scores ranging from 30 to 60 points. They were better as compared to some of us.

After playing, the Empire Hotel & Country Club prepared simple snacks for the participants. The IWAs were able to queue, choose food, sit and eat independently together with their friends.

As the actual activity ends, the IWAs said their "Thank Yous’ to all staff members with smiles and happiness reflecting on their faces.

The success of our activity can be measured through the independence that our Individuals with Autism have shown while playing bowling with friends. They had fun, enjoyed the company of friends and interacted with others in a real life setting and in an age appropriate activity that they can do with their families as well.