CONGRATULATIONS to the autistic 13-year-old Muhammad Danial Zainuddin who scored straight As in Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah.

Autism is a development disorder affecting two-way social interaction. These people display reluctance to accept change and inflexibility of thought.

Autistic people often communicate in a loud way, appear odd and talk incessantly on the same topic without realising how bored their listeners are.

To others, this may be perceived as weird, rude and stubborn. Because they appear normal, they are often misunderstood.

My daughter is autistic. She scored straight As in last year’s UPSR and is now doing well in a cluster school in Kulim, Kedah.

Credit should be given to the school management and teachers of SMK Sultan Bad-lishah for their support and tolerance.

I would like to extend my appreciation to the school and all teachers in accepting, motivating and nurturing her to become a committed pupil as without such support she would not have become who she is today.

Like other mothers with autistic children, I have endured a great deal and faced countless worries in raising my child. But one thing I am very sure of is that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Just don’t give up.

H.L. WONG, Kulim

Source: NST – December 4, 2008