From all of us at EAP Malaysia, Happy Deepavali to everyone who’s celebrating! We wish safe travels for those who are travelling back home, too. Not unlike any festive celebration in Malaysia, Deepavali is celebrated widely and by many. However, for families with children with autism, celebrations like these come with their own set of challenges. …
Terlebih dahulu, kami dari EAP Malaysia ingin mengucapkan Selamat Hari Raya Aidifitri kepada anda semua! Sebagai rakyat Malaysia, sama ada kita menyambut Aidilfitri atau tidak, kita mempunyai peluang untuk mengambil bahagian dalam pelbagai perayaan. Walaubagaimanapun, ini mungkin boleh mengundang cabaran kepada kanak-kanak autisme dan keluarga mereka. …
Raising children with autism is not an easy feat. However, it is as rewarding and fulfilling as it can get. There has been many videos, stories and news articles focused on families affected by autism, be it from a parent’s or sibling’s point of view. …
On the 5th of September, we held our last Sibling Day for the year. We saw 6 children from 4 different families come together for a day of bonding and fun-filled activities.
Raising a child with autism places some extraordinary demands on a family as a whole (Autism Society, n.d.). Parents are not the only ones affected. In fact, a child’s siblings are just as much affected, if not more. It is without doubt that every child’s dream is to have a sibling or siblings to play with, to grow up with and to share their childhood with. However, children with autism may not be able to play or interact with their siblings just like typical children would. Furthermore, they require more attention and care from their parents and this may affect their siblings. Sometimes, their siblings may suffer in silence, feeling neglected and less loved, or even feel the pressure for the need to be a role model.
Education can make a real difference for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) (The National Autistic Society, 2014). Your child with ASD has the right to the same educational opportunities as all other children (Raising Children Network, 2013). Preparing for school is a complex process when you have a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and planning for the transition to school should start as early as possible (Autism Victoria, 2015).
They may not be the best in communicating their emotions to you, or know how to express their love and gratitude, but you mean the world to them and more than anything, they want you to know how much they love you. Happy Father’s Day from all our kids at EAP to you, our real-life heroes!
