Bersempena Minggu Sukarelawan di negeri Sarawak, Nekaunt diberi tugas menjaga 'stall' PERKIM atau lebih dikenali sebagai Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia atau 'The Muslim Welfare Organisation of Malaysia'. Selain PERKIM banyak juga stall-stall yang lain mengadakan pameran tentang persatuan masing-masing.
Nekaunt berpeluang berkenalan dengan seorang sukarelawan yang bertugas di stall SIBU AUTISTIC ASSOCIATION atau nama singkat SAA. Nekaunt amat tertarik dengan cerita beliau mengenai kanak-kanak 'Istimewa'di bawah jagaan SAA. Kanak-kanak tersebut ada IQ sebenarnya tetakpi tak berfungsi. Nampak normal tetapi tidak dapat memahami persekitaran mereka maka sukarlah untuk berinteraksi. Mereka tidak mengenal apa itu bahaya.
What is autism?
Autism is a developmental disorder that is characterized by impaired development in communication, social interaction, and behavior. Autism is classified as a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which is part of a broad spectrum of developmental disorders affecting young children and adults--the Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The range of these disorders varies from severely impaired individuals with autism to other individuals who have abnormalities of social interaction but normal intelligence--Asperger's syndrome. The ways in which autism is exhibited can differ greatly. Additionally, autism can be found in association with other disorders such as mental retardation and certain medical conditions. The degree of autism can range from mild to severe. Mildly affected individuals may appear very close to normal. Severely afflicted individuals may be extremely retarded and unable to function in almost any setting.
In the past, autism has been confused with childhood schizophrenia or childhood psychosis. As additional research information about autism becomes available, the scope and definition of the condition continues to become more refined. Much of the past confusion about the disorder has been resolved.
What are the symptoms of autism?
The current Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) identifies three features that are associated with autism; impairment in social interaction, communication, and behavior. First, patients with autism fail to develop normal personal interactions in virtually every setting. This means that affected persons fail to form the normal social contacts that are such an important part of human development. This impairment may be so severe that it even affects the bonding between a mother and an infant. It is important to note that, contrary to popular belief, many, if not most, autistic children are capable of showing affection and do demonstrate affection and do bond with their mothers or other caregivers. This limited socialization may erroneously lead parents and pediatricians away from considering the diagnosis of autism. As the child develops, interaction with others continues to be abnormal. Affected behaviors can include eye contact, facial expressions, and body postures. There is usually an inability to develop normal peer and sibling relationships and the child often seems isolated. There may be little or no joy or interest in normal age-appropriate activities. Affected children do not seek out other children for play. In severe cases, they may not even be aware of the presence of other individuals.
Sekian. Penjelasan dari web.
Footnote: Walau apa-apapun anak adalah harta dan kita diamanah menjagakan mereka sebaik mungkin.
Kepada SAA, Sibu nekaunt amat kagum dengan ketabahan mereka menjaga dan mendidik kanak-kanak tersebut.
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