A Child with Autism Opened a New World for Me

February 2023 marked the beginning of my involvement with the MPATI Foundation. I was thrilled to be able to (again) discover work that could impact me and many others. What I noticed about the MPATI Foundation was that they addressed a very specific and interesting issue for me: children with Autism. 

When I heard the word "Autism," I immediately thought, "This issue is truly unexpected." I had also just heard of a foundation that specifically focused on Autism. This could be a rich learning experience for me.

I didn't know what Autism was, having only heard about it in passing, often jokingly, while still in college. At that time, I was still naive due to my ignorance about Autism itself. I didn't know what it meant to be autistic or to have an autistic child. 

And, at the MPATI Foundation, I finally understood that.

My journey at MPATI

Throughout my nearly year-long journey at the MPATI Foundation, I've learned a great deal about what Autism means for families and children. Autism isn't just a word: it's about the importance of parents, families, and children accepting that their child has Autism. Every family member must work together to support and prepare for their child's future.

I also grasped another meaning of Autism on the other spectrum: the rejection of parents who refuse to accept their child's autism. This rejection ultimately worsens the child's condition. For people on this spectrum, Autism is like cutting off hope for a carefully planned future. 

As a communications coordinator, I've received a lot of positive feedback from the content I create. From my observations, parents really need informative, educational, and inspirational content to fuel their enthusiasm. 

I don't necessarily feel what other parents out there are feeling, but my empathetic side whispers to me,They need this! You have to keep making contents for themAnd recently, a young parent contacted MPATI on Instagram to say she was helped by the content MPATI creates. This motivated me to persist in producing high-quality content.

However, I often receive various questions on social media. Honestly, I'm cautious in answering them. It's not because of a lack of information about Autism; there's so much information available online now. I just don't want my answers to seem like they're giving parents hope. 

Why is that? I understand that parents with autism are seeking hope. I hope that their child will be "cured" and that their family can emerge from a tiring, uncertain, and even bleak situation. Who wouldn't be shocked to find out their child has autism? Anyone would be shocked, panicked, and feel like their world is crumbling.

The uniqueness of children with Autism

Amidst this journey, I was entrusted to be the project officer for the production of a video about interests and talents. What I love about my involvement in this project is meeting and interacting with several children with Autism.

At first glance, they seem like other typical children. But once you start talking, the differences become apparent in the way they communicate and make eye contact. They're less dramatic and more genuine. That's perhaps what differentiates typical children from those with Autism.

Children with autism also have the same talents as typical children. That's a common fact. But perhaps the difference is that children with Autism develop their talents to the fullest. In fact, some have written books, sold numerous paintings, and become guitarists in bands, and some even teach. band, dan ada yang mengajar juga.  

I thank God for showing me a different world. That world has taught me the valuable lesson that every human is unique and special, in their own way. Autism is a reality, and there are families struggling to prepare a better future for their children.

Maybe out there, the word "Autism" is still used as a joke, but for those who experience it, Autism has a deeper meaning in life. However, I believe that everyone should be treated with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances. After all, we are all born human. 

I want to continue my beneficial work in raising awareness about Autism issues. I believe everyone should know that there are children with Autism around us who need our attention and support.

The author is Rizky Ridho Pratomo, a communications team member from the MPATI Foundation.