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The Primary Care Medical Facility (PCMF), British Forces Brunei (BFB) coordinated a Professionals Seminar at the Chit Chat Community Centre in the British Army Garrison, Seria yesterday to provide a better understanding of autism. An expert team from the United Kingdom’s Oxford University Hospital, National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust comprising consultant paediatricians, a speech and language specialist and an educational psychologist were invited to deliver talks. The central tenet of the session was understanding autism with further exploration into mechanisms to support autistic children in accessing healthcare and education. “It was a privilege to bring together a diverse cross-section of the community for a highly educational session. Our NHS experts enabled us to delve into complex yet highly important themes,” said PCMF Senior Medical Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Trow. Ministry of Defence General Practitioner, BFB Dr Heliza Nik-Hussin also added that the seminar is beneficial for those dealing with children and adults with autism. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/_w0uaMyImkLIZI_GfMzPs-IpUkq6cQbNRRoojCMFM6H.jpeg) Attendees in a group photo. PHOTO: DANIEL LIM “This is our first time hosting the multi-professional seminar, and it is a good opportunity to share our experiences and knowledge in creating a unified approach to caring for those who struggle with autism in their day-to-day life because of the stigma and how they are perceived.” The sharing was further accentuated with a question-and-answer session where attendees were able to share their experiences related to autism and the possible steps that could be taken to help overcome the challenges faced by those with autism. Attendees also took part in a networking and sharing session where they mingled while sharing knowledge and experience, and forming connections as they shared the goal of creating an inclusive community where people with autism can contribute back. The seminar was attended by over 130 attendees including from the Ministry of Health, Hornbill School, Jerudong International School, International School Brunei, Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei, Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA), British Forces Social Work Service, and Panaga Health. British Deputy High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Catherine Pochkhanavala-Cleeve also attended. Throughout the event, the PCMF Seria also supported SMARTER Brunei by handing over donations. It was received by their Vice President and Chief Executive Officer who is also the President of the Council for Welfare of Persons with Different Abilities (MKOKU) Sharifah Adila Surya @ Malai Adila Surya binti Malai Haji Abdullah. Other activities held to support SMARTER Brunei during the seminar included a charity bake sale and the gifting of educational items. Sharifah Adila Surya expressed her joy in having seen the hard work by SMARTER Brunei over the past 23 years being validated by experts in the field of autism. “It is a relief to know that the work and our vision that we set out to achieve in the last 23 years is also similar to those in the United Kingdom. So we know with confidence that we are moving in the right direction that is on par with efforts made internationally.” Meanwhile, the PCMF Seria also promoted Neurodiversity Celebration Week running from March 18 to 24, which is a global campaign that aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported. “Embracing neurodiversity comes from societal understanding, acceptance and inclusion. I hope that the professionals who attended the seminar today will go on to promote Neurodiversity Celebration Week in their respective organisations,” said Dr Heliza. – Daniel Lim

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