KL Archdiocese holds Autism Awareness Campaign

The Special Needs Learning Centre (SNLC), a ministry under the Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD) took the opportunity to carry out Auti

Jun 09, 2017

KUALA LUMPUR: The Special Needs Learning Centre (SNLC), a ministry under the Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD) took the opportunity to carry out Autism Awareness programmes in some churches in the Klang Valley., namely: Church of the Assumption, Church of St Francis Xavier, and the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Awareness Campaign, with the theme Light it Up Blue, was kickstarted at the Church of the Assumption, Petaling Jaya on April 2. Banners and posters with the captions Accept, Understand and Love were prominently displayed on the church notice boards and premises of three churches. Special T-shirts, wrist-bands and craft made by the student of SNLC were on sale.

The highlight of the Awareness Campaign was the celebration of the Eucharist on April 22 at the Church of the Assumption by the Director of AOHD, Fr Bernard Arputhasamy, SJ. In his homily, Fr Bernard made a plea to the parents of children with autism to be courageous and to bring their children to church. “Parents, do not be afraid to bring your children to church, to public places. You need to grow towards feeling comfortable knowing that it is alright for my child to be autistic and not to be ashamed of him/her. Others in society or in Church need to show the same sensitivity as Jesus did in welcoming children, the most vulnerable, and especially children/people with autism. So what if they make some noise?”

It was a heart-warming sight, with people on the autism spectrum actively involved in all aspects of the Mass. After Mass, many stayed for the presentation of SNLC’s history and services, and a talk on autism’s unique challenges and strengths through the lived-experience of a family with autism.

Archbishop Julian Leow was also present.

At the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Parish Priest, Fr Edwin welcomed and prayed for all the people with autism and their caregivers. The church congregation came attired in blue, in support of all people living with autism. A special talk and a video clip was also presented by Jacqueline Ang.

SNLC’s coordinator, Rita Anthony, emphasised that these individuals, with the right support and opportunity given, can learn and work independently. We need to create a larger community to understand, accept and interact with these individuals and to give them opportunities to be included in all aspects of life.

There are many ways to support the autism community. Besides contributing your time or funds, SNLC looks forward to collaborations and welcomes anyone with various expertise to explore new areas of opportunities.

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