By Hanim Zulaikha Zulkifli
In an effort to raise awareness and promote inclusivity for individuals with autism, the Autism Behavioral Center (ABC) and CookX Asia have joined forces. This collaboration aims to bridge educational gaps and create supportive environments where autistic individuals can develop essential life skills, particularly in the culinary arts. Charlene Marie Samuel, Director of ABC, and Wong Yew Mun, Co-Founder & CEO of CookX Asia, share insights into the significance and impact of their joint initiatives.
While Malaysia lacks updated and comprehensive data on autism prevalence, insights from the CDC in the USA suggest that 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism. Charlene emphasises the need for increased visibility and understanding of neurodivergent individuals. “Initiatives like the ABC x CookX Asia event aim to provide more exposure to the community about the needs and abilities of those who are neurodivergent. Increased exposure leads to normalcy and ultimately inclusion,” she says.
Mothers play a crucial role as primary caregivers, significantly influencing their child's development. Charlene stated, “Mothers are often the first to sense when something is not quite right. They play a vital role in advocating for their child's needs, supporting them through various assessments and interventions, and fostering independence.”
Early identification and intervention are pivotal for successful societal integration. Charlene highlights the importance of equipping young parents with resources to monitor developmental milestones and seek appropriate support. “Systemic support should ensure parents are well-informed and have access to necessary resources for their children's development,” she adds.
Despite the availability of early intervention resources in Kuala Lumpur, support for older autistic individuals remains limited. Charlene identifies several challenges in teaching culinary skills, including the concepts of danger, regulation, and measurement. “Life skills are crucial for independence, but teaching these skills can be challenging due to the nature of autism. The ABC x CookX Asia event addresses these challenges by providing pre-measured ingredients and minimising wait times, creating a stress-free experience,” she explains.
The ABC x CookX Asia event is designed to foster safe and inclusive spaces for the autistic community. Charlene believes such initiatives can bridge the gap in understanding and inclusion. “The event aims to adapt spaces and businesses to be more autism-friendly, promoting interaction and learning in a supportive environment,” she says.
The partnership between ABC and CookX Asia leverages each organisation’s strengths to offer more inclusive opportunities. CookX Asia simplifies the cooking process with pre-packed ingredients, making it accessible for all, while ABC provides specialised care and treatment for autism. Charlene said, “This collaboration creates a safe and well-equipped space for individuals with autism and their families to enjoy.”
Both Charlene and Yew Mun envision the ABC x CookX Asia events as platforms to develop qualities such as patience, responsibility, and teamwork. “Exposure to these activities allows children to cultivate skills just like anyone else. The first step is providing opportunities for experience and access,” Charlene said. Yew Mun added, “Focus, patience, and responsibility are indirect benefits of our cooking workshops. Teamwork is also fostered, especially with complex recipes requiring multiple ingredients.”
Looking ahead, both organisations aspire to continue creating autism-friendly events and inclusive opportunities. Charlene expresses hope for broader access and more well-planned events for autistic children. Yew Mun echoes this sentiment, emphasising the goal of fostering an inclusive society where autistic and non-autistic communities can learn and enjoy culinary experiences together.
The collaboration between the ABC and CookX Asia is a significant step towards raising awareness and promoting inclusivity for the autistic community in Malaysia. By addressing educational gaps and providing supportive environments, these initiatives empower individuals with autism to develop essential life skills and foster qualities that contribute to their successful integration into society.
