THE National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) would like to correct Beatrice Leong's article which was published by The Vibes dated April 9, 2023, titled ‘Reframing autism: supporting autism beyond diagnosis’, which can cause misunderstanding by the media and the public.
Certain contents of the article can cause misunderstanding among the media and the public.
As published, Beatrice Leong was quoted, as saying that the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom), a 35-year-old organisation and the largest parent-led autism support organisation in Malaysia, is responsible for its unwillingness to acknowledge the changing landscape and understanding of autism.
Her views were apparently based on an interview with a representative of Nasom in a recent TV programme.
Nasom feels the need to correct her statement because it is likely to create the perception among the media and the public that Nasom does not acknowledge the changes.
As the biggest and longest-serving service provider, Nasom is always committed to fighting for the rights of autistic people in this country and embracing any form of change that benefits its community.
The sharing from a board member at a recent TV programme was about his personal experience and the challenges of other families raising an autistic child in an era where autism awareness is not yet widespread.
We believe the statement has no intention to offend any individual or group. During the short interview, we felt that he did not have the opportunity to talk about how the modern world has changed the view of people about autism.
As a father of a young adult autistic and a board member and individual who has been fighting for the rights of autism for a long time, he is aware of the changes and is quite sensitive to the false notion or myth about autism.
The phrase “little Tasmanian devil” used by Leong is totally unacceptable and is her own perception, and [does not] relate to our board member’s answer during the interview. To draw such an extreme conclusion is unfair, irresponsible, and defamatory.
Despite being one of the oldest and biggest autism societies in Malaysia, Nasom is not able to carry out all possible initiatives alone.
Nasom welcomes everyone’s constructive feedback, and suggestions as well as working together to form a bigger alliance or force to ensure all support and help is provided to the autistic community.
We hope this explanation can clear up the misunderstanding issue as stated by Leong. – The Vibes, April 11, 2023
Julian Wong Ming Vui is chairman of The National Autism Society of Malaysia
