Empower autistic individuals to develop talents

KUCHING: Greater opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship and the creative industries are needed to help autistic individuals develop their talents into greater independence and livelihoods.

Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim said such opportunities should continue beyond schooling, with opportunities needed according to the abilities of each individual.

He said this was part of building a Sarawak where every individual is respected, every talent is given the opportunity to develop, and everyone has a place in society.

He said the government, organisations such as the Kuching Association of Talent Development and Welfare of Special Needs (KATSN), businesses and the wider community should work together to provide support, understanding and meaningful opportunities for autistic individuals.

“Autism continues into adulthood, making it important to consider the future opportunities available to autistic individuals as they grow older.

“Inclusion cannot stop when schooling ends. We need opportunities in skills development, employment, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries according to the abilities of each individual.

“And art itself can become one of those opportunities. We should not merely talk about inclusion, we must practise inclusion,” he said when officiating at the KATSN The Gifted Art Gallery closing ceremony at a mall here on Saturday.

Ahmad also highlighted the potential of art and online platforms in helping autistic artists promote their work to a wider audience.

He said autistic artists should have their work valued for its artistic quality rather than simply because it was created by a person with special needs.

“Their artwork can be exhibited, it can be commissioned, and their designs can appear on cards, clothing, souvenirs and other products.

“Every successful artist has to begin somewhere. Just like politicians, just like football players, you all start small, start somewhere, and then you grow. Don’t give up, keep going,” he said.

He encouraged continued efforts to promote the artists’ work, saying this could create opportunities for an autistic artist from Sarawak to gain recognition nationally or internationally

“Perhaps one such journey begins right here at the KATSN The Gifted Art Gallery,” he said.