For the longest time, people living in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been regarded as being difficult, stubborn, and non-sociable.
The understanding of autism has evolved significantly over time, from its early identification in the early 20th century as symptoms resembling childhood schizophrenia, to its mid-20th century recognition as a spectrum disorder by researchers like Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has played a pivotal role in standardising autism diagnosis, leading to subsequent revisions recognising ASD and its varying levels of severity.
Advances in neuroimaging, genetics, and neuroscience have deepened our understanding of autism’s biological basis, while a shift towards neurodiversity emphasises acceptance and accommodation.
Early intervention such as applied behaviour analysis (ABA) has become crucial for improving outcomes, alongside advocacy efforts to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and promote inclusion of autistic individuals.
This evolution underscores the complexity of autism and the need for a holistic approach to address the diverse needs and strengths of individuals across the spectrum.
The Federation of Reproductive Health Associations Malaysia (FRHAM), being an organisation that focuses on reproductive health rights for young people, believes that one in four children with ASD has the propensity of being sexually abused by the people who know them.
This is due to their inability to verbalise or articulate the incident.
Knowing very well these children are ‘non-verbal’, this horrendous act is done on them by perpetrators who know very well that they can get away with it scot-free.
ASD is a complex condition that leads to challenges with social communication and interaction, and also repetitive behaviour.
It is a condition that may deprive people living with ASD to basic rights such as sexual and reproductive health.
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), in 2021, a total of 589 children aged 18 and below have been diagnosed with autism, a significant 5 per cent increase from 562 children in 2020.
According to Wise Voter, Malaysia’s total population of autistic people ranks 50 and children with autism ranks 57 globally.
Society has to be mindful that the burden carried by family members of people living with ASD is immense.
This is especially if they do not receive support from any quarters, especially those from the B40 community.
The saddest thing about someone with ASD is that they are already classified as different and challenged, and society views them differently.
But the most important thing to remember is that to have “different sets of abilities” doesn’t make a person disabled.
They are differently abled, but with the right tools, methods, and guidance, they are just as capable, if not more so, than any ordinary person.
Lack of awareness and ignorance are two factors stopping people with ASD in getting help and support.
Support can only be provided if there is an early, inclusive programme. Teachers, caregivers, parents, and other agencies should speak as one for the betterment of people with ASD.
At FRHAM, we are constantly looking at cases of children with ASD falling prey to sexual abuse, online grooming, and sextortion.
This is because perpetrators view them as easy targets. Unless an integrated plan is in place, we will continue to see this trend increasing.
In conjunction with Autism Awareness Month, let us make the world a safer place for people with ASD.
Dr Kamal Kenny is the chairperson of the Federation of Reproductive Health Associations Malaysia (FRHAM).
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Ova.
