PETALING JAYA: Social news platform SAYS recently launched its 'All About Autism' campaign in conjunction with World Autism Awareness month in April.
The six-week-long campaign aims to champion autism awareness and acceptance, which entails creating a safe space for all neurodivergent individuals.
SAYS kicked off the campaign by releasing an experiential video that showcases 'sensory overload', a common issue that many individuals with autism face. Watch the video on SAYS' TikTok page here.
With 1.2 million views to date, viewers were able to experience the world through the eyes of an autistic person and understand what it means to have their senses of sight and sound overwhelmed.
REV Media Group's head of English Network Laila Zain believes that Malaysia is significantly behind in understanding neurodiverse individuals.
As a mother to an autistic 14-year old son, she is excited to utilise SAYS' platform to spread awareness and acceptance of autism.
"I remember feeling lost many years ago, trying to get a diagnosis for my son. We bounced from hospital to hospital, specialist to specialist. When we finally got the diagnosis of autism, it opened a new avenue for learning to me and my family.
"It was difficult because we didn't know where to start, where to go, or what to do. I hope that SAYS will be able to provide a space for parents of autistic children and autistic people themselves, to get more clarity and build a community. Additionally, for neurotypical people to come in and educate themselves to be more aware and accepting of neurodiverse individuals," she added.
The initiative also includes a year-long special landing page on SAYS' website, where Malaysians can read, watch and learn more about autism spectrum disorder through interviews with autistic individuals, as well as find resources from specialists, therapists and experts in the field.
REV Media Group chief executive officer Samuel Wee said: "Our 'All About Autism' campaign on SAYS is an extension of our core values at REV, where we strive to be inclusive of people from all walks of life.
"As a media company, we see it as our responsibility to spread awareness and understanding, especially when it comes to important topics, such as autism awareness, that may be overlooked.
"Through this initiative, we hope to share our platform with autistic Malaysians to tell their stories and increase greater public awareness on autism." he said.
On April 14, SAYS will raise funds for the National Autism Society of Malaysia by going live on TikTok from noon to 6pm.
During the six-hour live stream, SAYS will be teaming up with autistic TikTok creators to entertain and educate the public at the same time.
Happening concurrently on April 14 is an on-ground event at PICO in Sunway Pyramid.
In collaboration with TikTok and PICO, SAYS will be releasing an immersive 360° virtual reality video that can be experienced through PICO.
Members of the public are invited to join the activation and experience sensory overload first hand.
Here are the event details of the PICO VR experience:
Date: April 14 (Friday)
Time: 11am – 2pm
Venue: PICO Sunway Pyramid (Level F, Lot F 1.89 & F 1.90)
Together with GSC, SAYS will be hosting a special playgroup for children on the spectrum and their families on May 14.
Open to the public, the playgroup will be an event where autistic kids can be free to be themselves and parents can connect without judgement.
Families will be treated to a free screening of computer-animated film 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' at GSC's sensory-friendly halls, in addition to games and giveaways.
Here are the details of the autism-friendly playgroup:
Date: May 14 (Sunday)
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: GSC, 3 Damansara
Media Prima Berhad group managing director Rafiq Razali said that as a media company, Media Prima has a responsibility to use their platforms to raise awareness and support important causes.
"The 'All About Autism' campaign hopes to promote inclusivity and understanding by shining light on the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families.
"Media Prima is proud to champion this campaign to foster a more compassionate and empathetic society towards autism awareness.
"As a parent to a child on the autism spectrum, I look forward to seeing the content produced throughout this campaign, including articles, videos, and social media postings," he said.
Learn more about 'All About Autism' and register for the playgroup at this website.
