Sunway Putra Mall Supports Autism Awareness Month With These ‘Autsome’ Things!

On 2 April every year, the United Nations (UN) observes World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). It is celebrated internationally to increase community awareness on individuals, especially children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

In conjunction with WAAD this year, Sunway Putra Mall recently kick started its ‘Kindness
Begins with Me’ campaign with an array of activities held both on-ground and virtually
happening from 1 till 30 April 2021.

The autism-friendly events and educational activities that will take place at the mall, aim
to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering support and
inspiring a kinder and more inclusive community.

Here’s what to expect:

1. ART & I GALLERY

The mall will be exhibiting more than 60 artworks with the theme ‘Art & I’ throughout the month

The gallery is located on Level 4. The art exhibition will be by individuals on the spectrum, including award-winning savant artist, ArtJamila, Pua Zhe Xuan, Yuri Azzari and more.

2. DONATE FOR A CAUSE

You may also donate a min of RM5 from 1 – 18 April at the Concierge Counter, Ground Floor to support the cause and redeem a Handwoven Coin Pouch from NASOM.

In addition to that, 10% of the sales proceeds and donations will be channelled to NASOM’s education fund towards the end of the campaign.

3. AUTSOME TALKS

There are also #AutismTalks happening through April via Sunway Putra Mall’s Facebook page

Week 2 –  School readiness skills: preparing children for Pre-school mainstream education 
Speaker: Charlene Samuel (Director of Autism Behavioral Centre)
Guest speaker: Desiree Kaur (Project Haans for Autism Awareness)
Date: 10 April 2021 
Time: 11am  

Week 3 – Interest VS Skills. What is important 
Speaker: Grace Liew (NASOM)  
Guest speaker: Mohd Adli Yahya (Founder of Autism Café Project) 
Date:  17 April 2021 
Time: 11am  

Week 4 – Empowering individuals with autism  
Speaker: Dr Chee Ann Abdul Ghani  
Date:  24 April 2021 
Time: 11am 

4. MOVE TO THE BEAT 

Families and kids who have passion for music and dancing, can participate in Move to The
Beat, play group sessions that consist Drum Circle and Yoga Dance. 

• Drum Circle (10 & 17 April) 
• Yoga Dance (24 April) 

Venue: Auditorium, MOX Co-Making space, Level 4, Sunway Putra Mall  
Time: 4pm – 5pm

5. AUTISM-FRIENDLY SHOPPING MALL

Autsome is Awesome is an initiative by Sunway Putra Mall that began in 2019. Recognised as the first Autism Friendly Mall in Malaysia, it aims to educate, advocate acceptance and inclusiveness as well as celebrate togetherness with autism community.

Tuesdays (except Public Holidays) is the mall’s “Autism-Friendly Shopping Day” that
happens from 10am-5pm. This is an effort to provide an inclusive and comfortable shopping experience, simultaneously to increase public’s understanding and acceptance on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

On this day, families with autistic individuals can visit the mall and enjoy privileges and
services offered such as;

• Autsome Kit – A welcome kit that consist of a car sticker, a wrist band for easy identification including useful information on how they can enjoy the autism-friendly facilities. Parents can register online and collect the kit at the Concierge Counter, Ground Floor.
• Dimmed Lights & Volume Down Music – Lights and music at the common area and participating outlets will be dimmed / lowered down and outlets will have ‘Priority Lane’.
• Reserved Parking – Parking bays at Basement 1 are reserved every Tuesday for the convenience of families with autistic individuals.
• Shopping Assistance – Customer Care is able to lend a helping hand to carry shopping bags and further assistances when required

Apart from this, there is also Autism-friendly facilities that are available daily;

• Calm Rooms – A room that provides a calming environment with dimmed lights and tools such as sensory toys, weighted blankets, essential oils, bean bags and more. This room is available in case of a meltdown. The rooms are available at Lower Ground and Level 3.
• Sensory Walls – Walls with sensory friendly textures are available at Level 2 and Level 3

For more information on “Autsome”, follow Sunway Putra Mall’s official Facebook page and Instagram. Visit Sunway Putra Mall’s website for details on ‘Kindness Begins With Me’.

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