Despite being non-verbal, Ivan can communicate his needs, such as patting his thighs when he needs to use the toilet, or patting his chin if he wants to eat. For the past 33 years, his mother, Mdm Esah has found strength in caring for Ivan who lives with autism, intellectual disability and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Let's celebrate the triumphs and tribulations of individuals with autism spectrum disorder as well as their caregivers. It may not be a smooth-sailing journey, but we want to celebrate the small wins and as what Mdm Esah says, "Just don't give up on them."