Autism awareness in Brunei Darussalam has progressed significantly, yet prejudice persists. Though less visible, it lingers in private conversations and online spaces – rooted in misunderstanding and, at times, hostility, portraying individuals with autism as unpredictable or needing to be “managed”.
However, they are individuals – each with their own thoughts, feelings and a distinct way of engaging with the world. A group of university students is calling on the community to remember that acceptance and kindness are choices – choices too often withheld from those who need them most.
Kasih Kitani is a student-led project aimed at raising autism awareness through creativity.
The initiative seeks to showcase the work and creations of individuals with autism to reveal their dreams, desires and emotions.
“Autism is often invisible, so individuals with autism may easily be misunderstood as difficult, anti-social, or disruptive by those who don’t understand what they’re experiencing. They are human beings, just like us,” said Amalina, a member of the group.
According to the 24-year-old business entrepreneurship student, some members of the group have family members with autism, making the project a deeply personal undertaking.
Having collaborated with Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei, the seven-member group engaged with students from the organisation, who, as part of their curriculum, explore arts and crafts – from finger painting to working with textured objects that support sensory development.
“One student in particular is Fahmi, a 13-year-old. Our team interviewed him directly and although it only lasted a moment, we knew he was a sweet child who loved to paint and play games.”
The project allowed the students to deepen their understanding of autism by observing the unique education system offered by SMARTER Brunei. They also gained hands-on experience and real interactions with individuals on the spectrum – even accompanying some of them on external excursions, such as trips to the supermarket.
As part of Kasih Kitani, the university students helped several individuals with autism design their own products, which also feature brief personal profiles – giving the wider community a glimpse into who they are as individuals.
There’s Hakeem, Nabil and Qayyum, who are non-verbal and communicate through gestures, facial expressions, verbal cues and pictures. When they’re feeling low, calming tools like soft toys help them relax and offer comfort.
There’s also seven-year-old Muhyiddin, a lively child who loves to jump around – a habit he picked up from his favourite character, the frog in the video If You’re Happy.
“The frog is also his calming tool – it helps reduce anxiety and calms him down when he feels overwhelmed,” shared Amalina. “Whenever he’s happy, he’ll ask for hugs and friendly physical contact. His teacher described him as a happy-go-lucky child who can lift the mood of everyone around him.”
Then there’s 27-year-old Farid, who is also non-verbal. When it comes to arts and crafts, his creations often feature 3D decorations, as textured materials help stimulate his senses and keep him happy.
At its core, the project aims to show the person behind the condition and just how uniquely different each individual is – a reminder the group feels needs to be re-emphasised, as there is still a common misconception that all individuals with special needs are the same.
“Many people struggle to interact with individuals with autism simply because they don’t know how. Understanding them takes time, patience and kindness. Learning to understand their perspectives helps break down barriers and creates a more inclusive environment for individuals with autism,” she went on to say, adding that, in light of this, part of their initiative is to emphasise that “understanding their feelings is important”.
This is because individuals with autism each communicate and express themselves in their own way, she continued. Some can speak, while others may only be able to communicate through gestures, facial expressions, assistive devices, or even creative outlets like art.
“Recognising and respecting their preferred way of communication is important.”
Certain individuals with autism may also be sensitive to sound, light, textures, or touch – so sensory-friendly environments and calming tools are key to helping them feel comfortable and safe.
Ultimately, what these students have set in motion acts as a quiet but powerful challenge to the way society views autism. Through creativity, empathy and direct engagement, Kasih Kitani invites the public to look beyond labels and assumptions and to see individuals with autism as they truly are: expressive, capable and deserving of understanding.
“Although autism awareness is important, we believe that acceptance is something that can truly make a difference.” – Wardi Wasil
