Social Inclusion Supports Employment Opportunities for People with Autism

Pediatric specialist and neurology consultant, Hardiono D Pusponegoro, emphasized that despite the challenges, individuals with autism or other special needs can make a significant contribution to society. However, they must receive appropriate support and opportunities from all parties.

"Understanding communication styles, support from colleagues, superiors, or mentors, as well as an inclusive and open work environment for individuals with autism can help improve their contributions in the workplace," said Hardiono during a discussion held by Zally Zarras Learning Center and Drisana Foundation in Jakarta on Thursday (25/4/2024).

Meanwhile, there are still many gaps in employment and educational opportunities for people with autism. Based on data from the Ministry of Manpower, of 440 companies with a workforce of 237,000 people, only 2,851 people or 1.2 percent of workers disabilities were successfully placed in the formal sector.

Also read: Deficit of Special Assistant Teachers Barriers to Inclusive Education

However, Law Number 8 of 201 concerning Persons with Disabilities requires the obligation to employ persons with disabilities with a quota of 1% for private companies and 2% for state-owned enterprises/enterprises owned by regional governments. The implementation of this regulation needs to be encouraged to achieve an ideal condition.

According to Hardiono, the approach and support for individuals with autism and other special needs must start from the first environment, which is the family. Acceptance from the family, especially the parents who have an open mind, can support the growth and development of children with autism.

After families receive them, society must also become an inclusive social environment by ensuring that all rights are obtained equally. In reality, Indonesia ranks 125th in the Global Inclusiveness Index 2020 with a score of 26.5. Indonesia is below the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand.

The policy of inclusive schools through Government Regulation Number 13 of 2020 is deemed not yet optimal. Many teachers still lack special education skills to teach children with special needs. Hardiono stated that the presence of special guiding teachers actually negates the inclusive spirit that should treat all students equally.

Initially I thought this problem was only with teachers, but it turns out that awareness and concern are still a challenge.

This is also affirmed by the Acting Director of Community Education and Special Education at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), Aswin Wihdiyanto, who stated that there is still much that needs to be improved in inclusive school policies. This is particularly related to the improvement of teacher quality and the awareness of school communities to be inclusive.

"At first, I thought that this issue only applied to teachers, but it turns out that awareness and concern are still a challenge. The education of children with special needs should involve all parties, including the central and local government, the community, schools, and parents," said Aswin.

Based on the Education Core Data as of May 2023, the number of special companion teachers in Indonesia is 4,695 and 10,244 regular teachers are trained to accompany persons with disabilities. Meanwhile, Indonesia has 40,165 inclusive schools at the primary and secondary education levels with a total of 135,874 students with disabilities. There are also 2,326 special schools serving 152,756 students.

Specix 2024

In order to bridge this gap, the Zally Zarras Learning Center and the Drisana Foundation will hold a Special Kids Expo (Spekix) 2024 on 11-12 May 2024 at the Jakarta Convention Center. This event, which is free to the public, invites the entire community to support an inclusive social environment.

Deputy Chairperson of Spekix 2024, Zavnura Pingkan Sutowo, stated that Spekix 2024 will provide an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the needs and support for individuals with autism from childhood to adulthood through various informative and inspiring activities, seminars, and exhibitions.

"This is an effective platform in supporting and improving the quality of life for individuals with special needs and serves as a forum for stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the assessments, therapies, formal education, skills, and training needed for parents, families, educators, and caregivers of children with autism," said Zally.

Early diagnosis

Hardino added that generally, a diagnosis of autism can be established starting from children aged 18 months. Screening is done using the M-CHAT or Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers.

The M-CHAT method is carried out through psychological assessments that evaluate the risk of autism spectrum disorder in children aged 16-30 months. If the screening is not passed, the diagnosis is then continued using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition or DSM-V method.

Access to pediatric healthcare services has also improved, so parents should be able to detect early signs. According to Hardiono, there are already hundreds of pediatricians in Indonesia who are capable of diagnosing and treating autism.

"All pediatricians are now able to understand and conduct screening. Quick diagnosis, appropriate therapy, and trained parents' roles will greatly influence children's progress," said the professor from the University of Indonesia.

Also read: Accepting and Embracing Children with Autism

As for autism, it is usually characterized by social and communication function disorders. The symptoms of autism vary, ranging from intense focus on one thing, unresponsiveness, to repetitive movements or self-injury.