Empowering autistic talents / Nurazlina Razali … [et al.]

Autistic is a lifelong neurological disorder. It affects brain development and a child’s ability to communicate, socially interact, and learn like another individual. There are three types of autistics: Classic Autistic, Asperger syndrome and Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Some individuals in the Mild and Hi Functioning have extraordinary abilities and talents that can improve their quality of life in the future. However, there are deficiencies where their skills and talents are unrecognized affecting their work opportunities. Nevertheless, there are inadequacies in which their abilities and aptitudes go unnoticed, hence impacting their chances of finding job. This is attributed to a dearth of program designed to facilitate the progression of abilities and talents in autistic youngsters. Therefore, it is suggested that an all-encompassing training and skill enhancement program be implemented to address this problem. The objective of this program is to provide opportunities for this specific demographic to acquire certification in several skill domains. The certification program will provide a diverse selection of courses, such as Art, Fashion and Design, and Culinary Art, spanning a duration of two years. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to engage in industrial internships. This innovation has the potential to have a profound effect on this specific population of pupils who have exceptional needs. The benefits encompass enhancing their current capabilities while obtaining certification to enhance their prospects for employability. Furthermore, it also offers them the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the actual work setting through internship placement. Upon program completion, it is anticipated that their skills would be greatly enhanced and strengthened, ultimately resulting in employment prospects. This accomplishment empowers them with the capacity to actively engage in the workforce with assurance. Consequently, they have achieved financial autonomy and do not depend on others or their guardians for financial assistance. The newfound capacity to manage their own finances enhances the standard of living for autistic individuals and instills in them a feeling of autonomy and self-reliance.