Public Awareness On The Characteristics Of Children With Autism In Selangor

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide a preliminary view about public awareness towards the characteristics of children with autism in Selangor. For those who do not understand about autism spectrum, it may be difficult to distinguish between autistic behavior and misbehavior of typical children. Unfortunately, these children are always perceived as spoiled children by public. Parents of autistic children are seen as parents who cannot control their children, or parents who have children with disciplinary problems. Lack of awareness of autism spectrum is another hardship on families, especially those who have children with autism that show behavior of temper tantrum. 250 copies of structured questionnaires distributed randomly to residents within the Klang Valley. The findings indicated that most of the respondents are familiar with the term autism but they still do not understand in details the characteristics of children with autism. The outcome of this study is expected to increase public awareness about the characteristics of autistic children. It is expected that when more people know about the characters, attitudes and behaviors of autistic children, hopefully people will be more alert and feel sympathy to these children and are willing to help them and their families with full sincerity.