Depok-Autism is a spectrum of brain development disorders that affects the way we interact, communicate and behave. Referring to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, throughout 2020-2021, more than 5,000 cases of child development disorders, including autism, were reported to have received services at primary health facilities, such as community health centers or integrated health posts. In an effort to detect autism early, it is not only necessary for parents to play a role, but also for teachers and community health center or integrated health posts cadres to be observant and actively observe children’s behavior and communication patterns. For this reason, understanding how to carry out early detection of autism is important.
Based on this problem, Gunawan Wicaksono, A.Md.OT., S.K.M., M.Si., lecturer in the Occupational Therapy study program, Vocational Education Program, Universitas Indonesia (UI), has just implemented a community service program at Azizah Islamic School, North Jakarta regarding increasing the understanding of teachers and posyandu cadres regarding early detection of autism. The community service activity which was held on January 12, 2024 was held as a form of contribution from academics to society, especially in efforts to detect developmental disorders in children from an early age.
(Photo: Gunawan giving a presentation on early detection of autism in children)
In community service, he said that early detection is the key to providing appropriate intervention to children who may have autism. “Involving teachers and integrated health post cadres in early detection of autism has a significant impact. They are in a strategic position to observe children on a day-to-day basis. The earlier autism is detected, the better the interventions that can be given to support the child’s development,” explained Gunawan.
During the program, thirty participants consisting of elementary school teachers and integrated health post cadres were invited to understand the characteristics of autism, as well as early detection methods that can be applied to the environment around children. Apart from that, Gunawan also provided material regarding the importance of the role of the community in supporting children with autism.
(Photo: The atmosphere of community service activities carried out at Azizah Islamic School)
The program also provides discussion and question and answer sessions, allowing participants to share their experiences and knowledge. This creates an interactive atmosphere and supports collaboration between sectors in an effort to improve the welfare of children in society. Azizah, a teacher at Azizah Islamic School, stated, “I am very grateful for this community service program. Knowledge about autism is vital for those of us on the front lines of children’s education. Hopefully in the future, programs like this can continue to be implemented.”
Cross-sector collaboration is an important synergy between universities, schools and the community in increasing understanding of autism. “This is part of our responsibility as academics to make a positive contribution to society. Through community service programs like this, we can form a society that is more inclusive and cares for children with special needs,” concluded Gunawan.
