Autism awareness campaign pushes for inclusive education, early intervention support

As part of activities marking Autism Awareness Month in April, Mulan Neurodiversity School rolled out a series of advocacy and support programmes aimed at tackling stigma, promoting inclusive education, and improving support systems for children living with autism and other special needs.

The month-long campaign featured community outreach programmes, professional assessments, parental support engagements, skills training, and a public awareness walk, all centred on encouraging greater acceptance of neurodiverse individuals in society.

One of the key events was a dinner gathering for parents and caregivers of children with autism, where families shared experiences and received emotional support in a safe environment. During the programme, the school announced a month-long free therapy initiative and a 10 percent reduction in therapy fees to help ease the financial burden on affected families.

The school also organised an outreach programme at the National Assessment and Resource Center, where speech and behavioural therapists assessed children and offered professional guidance to parents on early intervention and specialised care. Therapy materials and wheelchairs were also donated to support the centre’s work.

In a major public awareness effort, parents, health professionals, and members of the public participated in a Neuro Walk to advocate for the acceptance and inclusion of persons living with autism and other special needs. Participants used the platform to call for an end to discrimination and social stigma against children with developmental conditions.

As part of empowerment initiatives, Party Tree Vocational and Training School partnered with the programme to train mothers of children with autism in practical vocational skills, including baking, soap making, drink preparation, and fabric softener production, aimed at helping families generate income to support therapy and caregiving needs.

Speaking during the campaign, autism advocate and CEO of Mulan Neurodiversity School, Thara Brigitte Mills, stressed the need for society to abandon misconceptions surrounding autism, particularly beliefs linking the condition to curses or spiritual causes.

She urged parents not to hide children with special needs due to stigma, but rather seek professional support and create enabling environments that allow them to thrive.

The advocacy campaign also highlighted concerns over discrimination in schools, with calls on educational institutions to adopt more inclusive policies and stop rejecting children with special needs.

The school further appealed to government to prioritise special education within the national education system and provide stronger support structures for families raising children with autism and developmental conditions.

Organisers say the initiative was intended to spark broader conversations around inclusion, equal access to education, and the protection of the rights and dignity of persons living with autism.