ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting 13 July 2023 for June

ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting 13 July 2023 for June

ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) conducted its monthly Executive Committee Meeting of the year on Thursday, 13 June 2023. The meeting was held online, and it was mainly discussing the plans for building AAN Cambodia’s Special Education School.

Ms. Sharifah Adila (Didi) Surya bin Malai Haji Abdullah, AAN Brunei, SMARTER Brunei reported that one of SMARTER Brunei’s autism centers are closing down due to financial issues, but SMARTER Brunei got in touch with several sponsors to raise back funds to reopen that center and also build a new autism school.

Mr. Nay Myo Naing, AAN Myanmar, MAA reported that activities in MAA are still  rather minimal, with the continuing opening of the daycare and providing a special protection card to persons suspected to be on the spectrum.

Mr. Chan Sarin, AAN Cambodia, CAN presented a 3D video plan about CAN’s upcoming Special Education High School. The facilities shown in the video include a playground, cafeteria, coffee shop, primary and secondary school, and early intervention building. The building is colourful and outdoor-focused to encourage social activity. The design will be finalised by the end of July 2023. Mr. Sarin asks for two kinds of support from AAN: developmental disorder support training and social media sharing.

Ms. Erlinda (Dang) Uy Koe, AAN Philippines, ASP shared that she is working with ERIA Project to research and form an alliance of persons with neurodivergence starting with persons with autism. Also Ms. Dang Koe and Ms. Didi discussed employment projects for young adults on the spectrum.

Ms. Pham Kim Thi Tam, AAN Vietnam, VAN announced that she will be waiting for other AAN members in Hanoi for ERIA Project meeting next month.

In regards to ASEAN Autism Mapping Phase II, Mr Syvang reminded everyone to give feedback to the AAM Phase II before AAN submits the finalized version.