Reported by:
New Zhi Xuan Sr1ScE
Autism refers to a complex developmental condition involving persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviour. The United Nations General Assembly designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2007. Ever since 2021, April has been recognized as Autism Acceptance Month worldwide, which was used to be known as Autism Awareness Month.
To help raise awareness regarding autism, Kuen Cheng Interact Club held a charity sale from the 15th to the 19th of April, 2024 selling specially designed tote bags for RM 15 each, on the second recess at Block A lobby. To further understand the planning of this charity sale, we interviewed the members of the Interact Club.
Specially designed tote bags by Kuen Cheng Interact Club
Chong Ho Yin, Sr2ScB
Ho Yin mentions that this project, named “Project Butterfly” was inspired by blue butterflies, as blue butterflies are admired for their beautiful and vibrant colors, individuals who require special needs often showcase remarkable qualities and unique beauty through their creativity, endurance and innovative perspectives as well. Ho Yin further shares how her cousin, an autistic individual, finds it difficult to keep eye contact when communicating with others. However, he is very diligent, and willing to help others whenever needed. Even so, he still faces difficulties when adapting to the social environment, and often gets bullied in school. Ho Yin urges people to treat autistic individuals with patience and care, she hopes that autistic individuals can be treated fairly, and be helped when needed.
Tan Zheng Si, Sr2A
Zheng Si says that the idea of “Project Butterfly” came from her teachers. Through them, she has gained knowledge regarding autism. This has greatly raised her awareness of autistic individuals. She states that although modern society has become more aware of autistic individuals than before, the amount of time and care that they receive is still far from enough. “Giving attention to autistic individuals does not mean purposely staring at them, it means to observe when they may require help from others, and help them as much as possible if needed,” says Zheng Si.
Lee Ming Yi, Sr2ComE
According to Ming Yi, modern society has not given sufficient attention and care to autistic individuals. Even in our current society, people would still unconsciously avoid autistic people. He hopes that people can provide more attention and care towards them.
As Stuart Duncan, an American musician and fiddler once said, “Autism is not a disability, it’s a different ability”. Autistic individuals may be born differently, but that means they have special abilities which make them unique. As a part of modern society, we should do our best to provide care and love whenever needed. Let us hope that autistic individuals can find their way to shine and embrace themselves.
Group Photo