UNS — Since 2007, the United Nations (UN) has designated 2 April for World Autism Awareness Day. This momentum can be used to understand children with the autism spectrum fully. Dr. Joko Yuwono, M.Pd., Faculty Member of Special Education (PKh) Program Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta shared his view with uns.ac.id team.
Dr. Joko stated that children with autism have rights that must be met amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Access to healthcare and education is a must. Parents and teachers need to ensure that children with autism stay at home and fully protected against the rampage Covid-19 infections. The researcher in Disability Study Center (PSD) Institute for Research and Community Services (LPPM) UNS added that parents and teachers should also ensure the availability of proper education for their children with autism. Teachers can create creative learning, and parents can maximize home activities to stimulate their children’s development.
Dr. Joko also shared four challenges faced by parents in taking care of their children with autism. These challenges are regarding themselves and their children, families, professional field, and the community. The problem arising between parents and their children is the most common issue because children with autism have complex behavior requiring long-term treatment.
The issue with families is a side problem that occurred after the presence of children with autism. Similar to the professional case in building a relationship with the community. Parents face life problems in the community and family members’ reactions, both in small and extended families. Parenting children with autism needs support from many people.
“Parents of children with autism will face complex problems. It is not easy. Collective strength is needed from families, wives, husbands, children, and in-laws, all in the nuclear family. Togetherness is the best way to face the problem and achieving a better future for children,” Dr. Joko said on Friday (2/4/2021).
On World Autism Awareness Day, Dr. Joko hopes that children with autism will get a better education, get the opportunity to access the workplace, and decrease the treatment cost for children with autism. Humas UNS
Reporter: Zalfaa Azalia Pursita
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
