"It is hoped that the new building will also provide the organisation with other means of funding instead of completely relying on donations and that it will become a starting point in creating a community where autism is treated with understanding."

With the support from BIBD, Hjh Amal Lina is able to witness her dream of helping the autistic children to benefit from the new amenities.

Hjh Amal Lina is aware of a rising trend in autism in Brunei that suggests an increasing demand for better resources and learning activities for autistic individuals, parents, family members and volunteers.

She strongly believes that it will be for the betterment of society as a whole when autistic individuals master a set of skills to work independently, to be able to learn and interact within the community.

Continue to read Hjh Amal's story in full...

Who in Brunei hasn’t been thinking about the million dollars this bank will give to one lucky wish-maker? What kind of person and what type of wish will deserve, as they say, the jackpot?

You know that person is lying if they say they don’t want the money, because deep down, it’s hard to refuse the dreams that can come true if you have a million dollars in your bank account. In fact, I have even sent a wish of my own to see if I can get even one step closer to achieving my goals!

However, don’t you think it is even better to grant this particular wish to not just one person but to as many people as possible? How about using that million dollars to get something that is worth 10 million dollars? Before you answer these questions, let’s think for a moment.

What could possibly be worth more than what you pay for? Life? Love? Health?

Do you know?

Can you find out?

I’ll tell you want I think, it’s you. Yes, you. Or to be more specific, your mind. Your creativity is worth millions and even billions of dollars. Who hasn’t heard of the story of the poor, the young, and the inexperienced who has this idea to make videos for babies (Baby Einstein), sell a chicken recipe (KFC) and create computers for homes? All started from an idea and now generating worldwide profit.

Basically, I think that we don't really need to be given a million dollars because we have the capability to generate that amount if that is what we wanted to do. Just think about it first. Now, I would like to introduce, individuals who may or may not have this capability. Children who look perfectly normal in appearance, but spend their time engaged in puzzling and worrying behaviours which are markedly different from those of typical children. Individuals who do not inherit the necessary people skills, have difficulties in their social interactions and their ability to interact socially. They are children and individuals who have autism.

Autism is a severe developmental disorder that begins at birth or within the first two-and-a-half years of life. Children and individuals with autism often 1) lack social support, 2) meaningful relationships, 3) future employment opportunities and 4) self-determination, which they need to survive in this mainly capitalist world.

Imagine what it is like to love someone who is autistic. How worried you must feel thinking about what will happen to them once you are gone, knowing that your loved one isn’t the only person who needs care and that you alone aren’t enough to provide support.

This is the reason that SMARTER (Society for the Management of Autism Related Issues In Training, Education and Resources) Brunei was created. A non-profit association almost entirely funded by public donations and government assistance, run by parents and family members of autistic individuals. SMARTER pioneered this nation's first dedicated centre for autistic children and community. SMARTER’s unique programmes, fundamental and structures is recognised internationally and earned praises all over the world. They focus on the 1) knowledge, information and system references, 2) education and training 3) employment agency 4) self sufficient or income generating project 5) crisis intervention and 6) support group. They incorporate community adaptation, a programme set up by SMARTER for the students to better understand the rituals of daily life such as going to the clinic or shopping for groceries.

SMARTER support the needs of autistic children and hope to create a community where autistic individuals, with proper training, have the potential to live life independently in community settings. The autistic children, some reaching their teens and into adulthood, are supported in learning how to 1) achieve a high level of independence as adults, 2) have some friends, 3) to need only considerable support and supervision in daily living and 4) work, mostly in volunteer, sheltered or part-time work. They aim to foster compassion, understanding and empathy of the needs of the special children and ensure that individuals with autism are able to prepare themselves to live independently in the future, giving them confidence in doing day-to-day activities. They provide children with the tools to cope with the non-autistic world and hope that our society would learn to tolerate harmless behaviours like hand flapping or humming that comes from autistic individuals. It also holds an annual national conference on autism and envisions Brunei as an "Autism Friendly Nation".

Imagine the happiness and pride you feel when your once shy and quiet autistic loved ones are now able to dance and smile, and able to do stage performance and enjoying the attention given to them. Think about how much secure you feel when you see that they are able to at least work and contribute to the community. How it gives you peace of mind when you know that they are able to socially interact with other people and are now self-confident. How comforting it is for you to know that they will be able to learn something of the world instead of worrying what will happen to them if you are gone. Discovering that, the moment they are able to talk with other people, you want to celebrate this simple achievement which others might take for granted.

My wish is for the million dollars to be used for these autistic individuals. This year, SMARTER has been trying to raise $1.9 million dollars to buy a building at Kampung Jerudong because of limited space due to the increasing rate of autism in Brunei. There are a growing number of children registering into the centre’s education programme and the organisation continues to provide their support. The new building will be used as the permanent premises for 1) therapy, 2) education, 3) social training and 4) business course to assist autistic individuals and their families. It is hoped that the new building will also provide the organisation with other means of funding instead of completely relying on donations and that it will become a starting point in creating a community where autism is treated with understanding, empathy and compassion. Thank you.