The bright fluorescent light, squeaking or rattling sounds of shopping carts, crinkle of plastic shopping bags, loud intercom announcements, blasting overhead music, smell of baked goodies or even perfume, heavily-trafficked public space, and crowd chatters.
Has it ever occurred to you that many little or big things that typically happen in a mall can be very unsettling and surprisingly overwhelming for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
For an autistic child, the thing he sees, hears, feels, and smells on a walk through the mall could easily trigger anxiety and possibly meltdowns in public. Moreover, an autistic child may demand to walk next to his parents during the whole mall visit, become impatient while waiting in the check-out line, run away, open items before they are paid for, talk to or touch other shoppers inappropriately.
All in all, a trip to a mall with a child with ASD can be an extremely daunting and stressful chore for both children with autism and their parents. Not to mention, the curious glances from the mall’s patrons too!
With this in mind, Sunway Putra Mall, the first autism-friendly mall in Malaysia, began its thoughtful initiative to support and create more awareness on ASD back in January 2019.
As part of its effort to support the autism community and their families, Sunway Putra Mall is committed to providing them with an inclusive and comfortable shopping experience, while simultaneously increasing the public’s understanding and acceptance of ASD.
KINDNESS BEGINS WITH ME: MAKE IT AN EVENT TO REMEMBER
In conjunction with World Autism Awareness Month, this year Sunway Putra Mall is going to kick start its KINDNESS BEGINS WITH ME campaign for the entire month of April 2021!
Come and join Sunway Putra Mall in spreading awareness about autism by supporting their wonderful initiatives for the autism communities and their families.
Here is a line-up of amazing activities and events that you should check out at Sunway Putra Mall this month!
ART & I
Did you ever wonder that art can often be an ideal means of expression for individuals with ASD as they tend to think visually?
From 1 to 30 April 2021, make sure you drop by Art & I at Sunway Putra Mall’s Creative Hub, Level 4 from 11am to 9pm to discover how autistic artists express themselves through art pieces.
Find out more on how autistic people see the world and reveal their fascinating visions with arts from this interesting programme!
AUTSOME BAZAAR 3.0
The Autsome Bazaar consists of artworks, cookies, handcrafts, and other handmade products created by the autistic individuals and entrepreneurs.
Let’s Educate, Advocate, and Celebrate the awareness on Autism Spectrum Disorder together with Sunway Putra Mall.
Make your way to Selera Street, at level 4 on 2–4 April 2021 from 11am to 8pm to support our Autsome partners, local autistic entrepreneurs, and friends!
FREE AUTISM SCREENING BY ABC
Is your toddler having delays in communicating with others? Does he not respond to his own name when being called and show little interest in objects or people? Does he also often get really upset with slight changes or disruptions in his daily routines?
If you are curious whether your child is currently experiencing common symptoms of children with ASD, it is better to get your child assessed by the experts as early as possible.
Get your toddler a FREE screening and consultation on 2–4 April 2021 from 11am–8pm (by appointments only) at Level 4, Sunway Putra Mall.
There are limited slots available for this ASD assessment, so click here to make your appointment. Alternatively, you can click this link to RSVP or contact 012-285 2007.
DONATE FOR A CAUSE
Celebrate differences and be more involved with autistic individuals this April for World Autism Awareness Month.
Let’s join our hands and support the autism communities by donating a small amount of money to help some people that are affected by autism and help them achieve their highest quality of life possible. Simply donate RM5 and redeem a handwoven coin pouch sewn by NASOM’s students.
You can make the donation from 1 to 18 April 2021 and redeem a complimentary gift at Sunway Putra Mall’s Concierge Counter, Ground Floor*.
*While stock lasts.
PARENTS’ GUIDES TO AUTISM: SAVE THE DATE FOR FREE AUTSOME TALKS TODAY!
If you are keen to know more about autism, be sure to tune in to the weekly AUTSOME TALKS (FACEBOOK LIVE) that are organised by Sunway Putra Mall in April.
Week 1: Characteristics of Autism
- Speaker: Dr. Cindy Chan Su Huay (Consultant Developmental Paediatrics, Sunway Medical Centre)
- Time & Date: 3 April 2021, 11am
Week 2: School Readiness Skills: Preparing Autistic Children for Mainstream Education
- Speaker: Charlene Samuel (ABA Therapist, ABC)
- Guest Speaker: Desiree Kaur (Mum to Haan and an autism advocate)
- Time & Date: 10 April 2021, 11am
Week 3: Interest vs, Skills: What is Important?
- Speaker: Grace Liew (NASOM)
- Guest Speaker: Mohd. Adli Yahya (Founder of Autism Café Project)
- Time & Date: 17 April 2021, 11am
Week 4: Empowering Individuals with Autism
- Guest Speakers: Dr. Chee Ann Abdul Ghani and Felina Feisol (Former Chairman of NASOM)
- Time & Date: 24 April 2021, 11am
MOVE TO THE BEAT
Reduce your tension, increase your energy level, and have a fantastic time through music and exercises!
Happening from 4pm to 5pm, mark your calendar and book your spot early to join Drum Circle (10 and 17 April 2021) and Kids Dancing Class X Yoga Dance (24 April 2021) at Sunway Putra Mall’s Auditorium, MOX Co-working space, Level 4.
To reserve your spot at Move to the Beat events, register here!
Also, while you are having fun shopping around the mall throughout the month of April, you will be doing your part in supporting and giving back to the community as 10% of sales* will be donated to National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) Education Fund. How great is that?
*The 10% of sales donation is only applicable for bazaar vendors and not mall wide.
Finally, remember to start a ripple that creates waves of change for the autism society as kindness begins with you!
See you at Sunway Putra Mall in April!