Finding Hope: Thomas' Journey to Independence Through Origami

Raising Thomas, who has Autism, has been a life journey that has been both rewarding and challenging. As a parent, I have experienced various challenges in raising Thomas, especially in finding the right school for him. 

The school search process was not easy; we had to go through more than 20 rejections before we finally found a place that would accept Thomas. Rejection after rejection was painful and emotionally draining, but that's where I learned the importance of resilience.

My husband often reminds us that shame is not an obstacle to raising our children. He teaches us that our focus should be on providing the best education for Thomas, regardless of what others think. 

The belief that God must have a plan for Thomas became our guiding light and helped me through the difficult times.

Discovering Potential Through Origami

One way to help Thomas thrive was to explore his interest in origami. At first I did not see origami as a business opportunity, but over time I realized that origami could be a way for Thomas to find purpose and independence. 

As well as providing a creative outlet, origami teaches valuable skills such as patience and perseverance.

When people started to recognize Thomas' talent, I felt proud. But I also realized that the art of origami was not fully appreciated in Indonesia. Many friends advised him to move to a place where the art was more accepted, such as Bali or Jogja. Nevertheless, I continue to support Thomas and see origami as the first step towards his future. 

Every bazaar and exhibition we attend is not just about selling, it is also about building Thomas' confidence and showing the world that children with special needs have enormous potential.

Achieving Self-Reliance: Steps to a Bright Future

As Thomas grew up, I realized how important it was to give him the opportunity to be independent. After leaving school, Thomas continued his online education at the Open University (UT) in Accounting. I decided to accompany Thomas so that he would not feel lonely. 

In the process, he started earning money with the origami he made. I think this is a great achievement.

In a world that can sometimes feel difficult for children with Autism, it's important that we create a supportive environment. We made sure that Thomas was familiar with routines and discipline so that he could prepare for the world of work. My husband was very supportive and, thanks to his hard work, Thomas eventually got an internship in a good company. The experience taught Thomas valuable lessons about work ethics and boosted his confidence.

Today, Thomas works while continuing to take origami orders from customers. He has proven that with perseverance and support, children with autism can achieve independence and success in life.

Encouraging Empathy and Support for Children with Special Needs

One memorable moment came when Thomas asked, 'Mum, how can I get an invitation out of town or even overseas? After some discussion, we discovered that he wanted to follow in the footsteps of famous origami artists from Japan. Thomas dared to send an email to one of the origami artists in Japan in the hope of being invited one day.

I saw how origami gave Thomas a sense of responsibility. Having a small gallery at home, he felt obliged to keep it going. At first he struggled to teach his students, being more used to learning on his own. However, with my guidance, he learnt to teach the basics of origami before moving on to more complex techniques. Thomas began to feel proud when he could teach, even at social events.

One day, when he heard that there was a bazaar to raise money for children with cancer, Thomas asked, "Mum, what is cancer?" and when this was explained to him, he expressed his intention to donate the proceeds of his origami sales. The next day, at the bazaar, he proudly announced that 100% of his proceeds would be donated to children with cancer.

The strong support of those around him has contributed greatly to Thomas' achievements. His sincerity in praying before the bazaar shows how valuable his sense of empathy is. 

After the bazaar, someone wanted to buy Thomas' origami even though it was all sold out, and promised to deliver the order a week later, showing that our efforts were appreciated.

Thomas' story is living proof that with support, love and perseverance, children with Autism can discover their potential. I hope this story inspires others to provide opportunities and support for children with Autism. 

Let's work together to create a more inclusive and compassionate society and help children like Thomas find independence and lead meaningful lives. Every little effort we make can make a big difference and build a better future for generations to come.