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Mother extraordinaire |
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Parents should not view autism as a problem, says Hajijah. Picture: BT/Rudolf Portillo
Hajijah Hj Moktal has two sons with special needs. No, thanks, we don't need sympathy, she tells SOBRINA ROSLI
HAJIJAH Hj Moktal has two adolescent sons. Both are autistic.
Adib is 13 years old and Afiq is 15.
"Sometimes when we are out with our sons in a different environment, its sounds and surroundings sometimes irritate Adib especially and his irritation turns into screaming and shouting," Hajijah says.
"And people look at us oddly."
When Afiq entered secondary school, he required the presence of Hajijah and her husband.
Hajijah can talk at length about autism and the need to spread public awareness. She knows what she needs to talk about, every single point in her advocacy. She stresses her points with stunning composure, so much so that I fear I could not possibly picture the challenges she's been through in rearing two autistic children. In fact, I had to request a second interview to delve deeper into the emotional aspect of raising autistic children.
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Empathising with the autistic |
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 Participants in an activity to promote empathy among autistic individuals and their family. Picture: Courtesy of Smarter BruneiBANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Smarter Brunei conducted its first Sibling Support Workshop to improve understanding and promote empathy among autistic individuals and their relatives.
Some 33 brothers, sisters, parents and guardians as well as friends of Smarter's autistic individuals were involved in the programme.
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Smarter organises family holiday camp |
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  (Left)Smarter children gather on the podium before starting one of the activities organised for the Family Holiday Camp themed 'Smarter goes Musical'. (Right) An individual with autism having fun swimming at the beach with sibling. Pictures: Courtesy of SmarterBRUNEI-MUARA
Smarter recently held a Family Holiday Camp themed "Smarter goes Musical" over the weekend at Berakas Recreation and Forest Reserve.
It was participated by 35 individuals with autism (IWA), their families, friends, volunteers from International School Brunei, Insititut Teknologi Brunei, Universiti Brunei Darussalam and Brunotts Society.
The IWAs had fun playing games such as making the longest relay, hula hoop relay, treasure hunting and swimming.
They also took part in song and dance performances as well as a night banner parade.
Courtesy of The Brunei Times
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