World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day
annually on April two, encouraging member states of the United Nations
to take measures to raise awareness about autistic
individuals throughout the world.
The purpose of World Autism Awareness Day
is to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life
of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives
as an integral part of society.
In this opportunity, I would like to share
about the life of autistic individuals in Indonesia,
especially in my hometown, Semarang City.
I would like to share our opinion, hopes, dreams,
and challenges that we encounter in our daily lives.
I hope people will understand more about us.
I am Naufal Asy-Syaddad.
I will interview my three resource persons [subjects].
They are Husein, Reno, and Miss Indah.
My first interview will be with Husein.
Husein is an autistic individual with musical talent.
He went to special needs school for children with disabilities.
He has won every drumming championship as the best drummer
in Central Java Province, Indonesia.
[soft drumming and singing]
Naufal: Husein, I want to ask:
In your opinion,
autistic individuals, should they be supported?
Hmmm.
Husein: An autistic child needs to be supported by his parents.
Naufal: Because there is potential or what?
No. Because of affection.
Because of affection. Children need attention from their parents.
If parents don't pay attention, it's their fault.
The children can't be wrong.
[soft band music]
Naufal: In your opinion, autistic individuals should be supported or not?
Indah: In my opinion, autistic individuals must be supported.
Really must be supported. Because with that support...he definitely knows that he is
"Oh, I am loved by my family."
"Oh, I am supported by my family."
If support is absent, they seem like they don't know what to do.
[soft band music; Husein gives instructions]
Naufal: What is the purpose of supporting autistic children?
So that their potential is maximized? So they can be useful or what?
Husein: Not really. Hmmm.
Most precisely, to be useful for many people first.
In any potential whatsoever.
Whatever the potential, before going to many people, making their parents happy first,
whatever their profession.
Indah: Many, various.
There are many obstacles experienced by autistic individuals
like Kharisma, Reno's friend.
It used to be like that. Now Kharisma is very good.
If Reno eats a slightly sweet food, he gets angry like that.
So we have to support through food.
We have to always be on a diet. So it's not just a diet.
It's just, "Oh, you can't eat this.
You can't have a lot of flour.
You can't have a lot of sugar.
You have to eat like this."
He knows now.
Naufal: Is Reno on a strict diet?
No, no, not strict.
Because he is used to going out and carrying money.
But he knows that if he eats, he will definitely tell his mother:
"Mom, I ate wafers. I ate this. Don't eat too much."
Naufal: What are Reno's restrictions?
Indah: That is, like gluten.
He never snacks. He doesn't like to
eat things like things like bread with a lot of sugar; he just happens to hate it.
Next, I head to Reno Amanullah Nugraha's house.
He is nonverbal autism, but he is able to read and write.
[driving sounds, a radio in the car softly plays]
I was diagnosed with autism when I was two years old.
As an autistic, I have challenges in understanding other people's
intentions, building friendships, and understanding situations.
My dreams are having better social skills,
marrying a woman who accepts my disability, and exploring Indonesia.
I am currently at Reno Amanullah Nugraha's house.
I have prepared several questions, which will be answered by Reno.
Reno, I have a question for you. Please answer it.
In his house, I interview him.
I provide him several questions about him.
Then he answered those questions by writing down the answer on the paper.
I asked his name.
He said that his name was Reno Amanullah Nugraha.
I asked his age.
He said that his age was 28 years old.
I asked his place of birth and his date of birth.
Reno said that he was born in Semarang on March 13, 1995.
I asked Reno the reason he hit people around him.
He said that the reason was he didn't like naughty or bad people.
I asked Reno his favorite musical instrument.
He said that he liked playing bass and singing.
I asked Reno if he like playing music.
Then he said that he liked playing music.
I asked Reno what things he didn't like.
He said that he didn't like tempeh, chips, and syrup.
I asked Reno what places he liked to visit.
He said that he liked to visit his school, his house, Baitul Sajidin Mosque,
and Semarang Grand Mosque.
Then I asked Reno what he would like to do every day.
He said he would like to bring money,
wear sarong, wear shirt, and wear pants every day.
[car starting up and driving away]