“We can see different techniques adopted by the teachers to train the children in communication and self-help skills which have helped my eleven-year-old progress,” Ahmad Redza said.He added the event was timely as it provided an opportunity to meet the teachers, who have been helping out the students, and interact with other parents to share their experiences on how they are managing during these challenging times. Apart from the dance performance, Taarana organised other exciting activities, included a role and pretend play activity, a cooking show, and cognitive games. The two-hour event allowed the parents and teachers to engage with the students. Another parent, Kesavan, from Rawang, appreciates the opportunity to meet other parents who have children with autism and talk to them.
“It is good to see Taarana focussing on social skills and self-development training that will prepare the students for life beyond academics. I believe that’s equally important as academic coaching,” added Kesavan.The Autism Awareness celebration was held with strict adherence to Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
“We ensured that the children and parents practised all the safety guidelines and followed the standard operating procedures, which included wearing masks at all times, sanitizing their hands regularly, and maintaining social distancing throughout the activities,” explained Taarana Principal, Dr. S. Sunitha.Autism Awareness Month aims to highlight the obstacles people with autism and others living with autism face every day. Taarana, established by RYTHM Foundation is the brainchild of Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran, who is also the Chairperson of the Foundation.