As a parent of a child with autism, finding a suitable school that caters to my child’s special needs has been an ongoing challenge.
The options for private primary schools that provide specialised support are extremely limited, while government schools often lack the necessary number of trained special education teachers.
This leaves many parents, including myself, in a difficult position – forced to navigate a system that does not adequately accommodate the needs of children with autism.
Beyond schooling, access to therapy is another major hurdle. Private therapy services are prohibitively expensive with initial assessments starting at BND1,000 and consultation fees set at BND180 per hour. These costs quickly add up, making it difficult for many families to afford the consistent intervention their children require.
While we are grateful for the special allowance provided by the government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the monthly BND150 falls far short of covering even a fraction of these expenses.
The decision to discontinue free therapy for children with autism once they turn five should also be carefully reconsidered, as many families simply cannot afford the high costs of private therapy.
Autism is a lifelong condition that requires continuous support, and cutting off access to essential services based on age could hinder a child’s development and long-term well-being.
Even when free therapy is available, it remains extremely limited, with long waiting lists due to a shortage of trained therapists. As a result, many children miss out on the critical intervention they need at a crucial stage of their growth.
This lack of accessibility not only places additional stress on families but also contradicts the broader goal of inclusivity and equal opportunities for all children.
If the aim is to create a truly supportive and inclusive society, more resources must be allocated to expand therapy services, train more professionals, and ensure that children with autism receive the continuous care they deserve – regardless of their age or financial background.
True inclusivity requires not just policies and statements of intent but real investment in infrastructure, training and financial support to ensure that every child – regardless of their abilities – has access to quality education and essential services.
Until then, many parents will continue to struggle in silence, hoping for a system that truly understands and supports their children’s needs.
Struggling Mum
