Art Therapy to help autistic children find themselves

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9  -- Art has always been known as a positive intervention tool for children with autism, allowing them to freely express their thoughts and feelings onto a piece of canvas or paper.

Knowing this, the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) has come out with the Art Therapy Programme for autistic children to help find themselves and communicate through creative expression.

According to NASOM president Datuk Megat Ahmad Shahrani Megat Sharuddin, art is a form of therapy that not only helps enrich children's imagination but also improves their skills and develops their ability to interact with others.

“This method is especially instrumental among autism children, and with the right encouragement, we hope that they can flourish as well as enrich the society with their creativity,” he said at the launching of CHAMPS-NASOM Autism Awareness Campaign 2021 in Subang Jaya today.

The campaign, which was launched by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, is a collaboration between NASOM and Champs, a child supplement brand from pharmaceutical company Duopharma Biotech Berhad (Duopharma Biotech).

Themed ‘Kasihi Autisme Bersama CHAMPS’, the campaign, held in conjunction with World Autism Awareness Month, is showcasing over 150 pieces of hand-painted art by autistic children as part of a fundraiser supporting NASOM's services and programme.

To show support for this campaign, Khairy, who is also raising an autistic son, has bought four paintings worth RM4,000 produced by autistic children aged between six and 12 years old.

Duopharma Biotech Group managing director Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar said this year marked their fifth year in collaboration to augment nationwide awareness towards the acceptance of autism in Malaysia.

“Over the years, CHAMPS has contributed RM269,217.50 to NASOM. For the first time through this campaign, the artistic talent is being shined on, showcasing the art created by the autism children under NASOM's Art Therapy Programme,” he said.

The art pieces by NASOM's autistic children will be available for sale on www.dbhealth2go.com from April 8 to June 15.

All proceeds from the sale will go towards NASOM’s cause to improve the quality of life for people with autism and their families through programmes, services, resources, knowledge and social innovation as well as promoting the rights and opportunities for people with autism.

-- BERNAMA