Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month, and we at NASOM Alor Setar had planned to celebrate the month by having a special day dedicated to the children as well as adults suffering from autism. We call it Autism Day and yesterday, 20th April 2013, was that special day.

NASOM Alor Setar, together with other select private companies and Government Departments like AKR Sdn. Bhd., the Health Department, Kedah State Library, Universiti Utara Malaysia, POLITECH and several others worked together to make this day a special day for everyone, especially the autistic kids. We had activities like the big giant bouncing castle, magic show, sand art, fashion show, colouring contest, a mini concert by Umar Hasfizal, food decoration contest, jumbo sale and also they can get health and teeth check ups from the mobile health department.

Nadiah's favourite was that big bunch of balloons that was going to be used as the opening ceremony where the president of NASOM Alor Setar would cut the ribbons and the balloons would fly away. Nadiah was also excited to see the mobile dental clinic. She waited in the clinic for hours for the dentist to finally show up. But then again, mama did not mind because the inside is air conditioned so it's cool and breezy rather than sitting outside in the hot sun. When the dentist appeared and it was finally her turn to get her teeth checked out, she pulled out her iPod and took a video of herself getting her teeth checked up. Hahahaa.. funny Nadiah. The dentist said her teeth are very clean and healthy. That was really good to know, but then Nadiah brushes her teeth twice a day religiously without fail. I'm glad she keeps up this good habit from when she was little.

Me on the other hand could not wait to meet up with other parents coming up from KL whom I met through the FB group Autisme Malaysia. This group is an amazing support group that I found, sharing our mutual concerns and interests in autism. They are parents, teachers, caregivers and therapists who are directly involved with autistic kids and adults. If you have any queries about autism, especially in Malaysia.. do join this group. 

Today, my friends from Autisme Malaysia came over for breakfast and we had an absolute wonderful time chatting and laughing. Mom cooked nasi lemak lemuni with sambal ikan bilis (yumms!!!) and we also bought some roti canai in case the kids were not keen on the nasi lemak. 

All in all both days were great days and we all had a good time. I hope we can have Autism Day every year for the kids.