Rock-hard support for those with autism – The Star Online
PETALING JAYA: The sun had barely risen when Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and his second son Timor were getting ready for a morning walk.
All around them, other parents were raising their children’s spirits with motivating words and promises of treats afterwards at the 2.8km-long The Rock Walk 2017.
Father, son and his other family members led the 200-strong group for the walk yesterday morning to raise awareness for autism and also funds for the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom).
Raising Timor, who is autistic, means Khairy is keenly aware of parents’ concerns on how to empower them to live independently as adults.
“Early intervention for autistic children is a good move but it is not enough to ensure they are cared for. As a nation, we cannot call ourselves developed or progressive if we are unable to care for all our people,” he said in his speech after the walk.
Things are about to change for the better as Nasom and the ministry are discussing details for a pilot programme offering skills training to school leavers with autism.
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