Latest news with #AutismAwarenessDay
Arabian Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Creating Spaces That Matter: Avenue K's Drive For Connection And Community Impact
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 May 2025 – Avenue K Shopping Mall is reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and holistic well-being as core pillars of its community engagement. In today's evolving urban landscape, Avenue K continues to be a vibrant hub where individuals of all backgrounds, interests, and abilities are welcomed and empowered—living out the mall's tagline: 'Make Friends, Create Trends.' The recent community workout event in collaboration with Fitness First at ABOVE, Avenue K Shopping Mall drew significant participation from the public. Celebrating Neurodiversity with Oasis Place In conjunction with Autism Awareness Day, Avenue K collaborated with Oasis Place—Malaysia's largest multidisciplinary intervention centre—to host Our Heart: Colours of Neurodiversity on 12 April 2025. The event explored themes of neurodiversity, accessibility, mental health, and assistive technology through interactive workshops, expert panels, and stories from lived experiences. The initiative reaffirmed Avenue K's commitment to fostering an inclusive society where all individuals are seen, heard, and supported. Feline Friendships at Avenue Katz Adoption Fiesta In an effort to promote kindness to animals and advocate for responsible pet ownership, Avenue K teamed up with Persatuan Haiwan Malaysia to organise Avenue Katz Adoption Fiesta from 14-20 April 2025, that brought together animal lovers, local shelters, and adorable feline companions in search of forever homes. A total of 43 cats were adopted during the event. Supported by key government bodies including the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia (DVS), the event also featured educational booths and activities that raised public awareness about animal welfare and pet care. Shoppers contributed to animal-related causes, reinforcing the community's role in animal welfare and Avenue K's ongoing mission of compassion and meaningful impact. ADVERTISEMENT Empowering Local Talent Through Music Avenue K is proud to work with Malaysian Buskers to support the local music scene through a dedicated Buskers Corner within the mall—a welcoming space for performers to share their craft with the public. On 8 May 2025, the mall also hosted the Malaysian Buskers Workshop 7.0, a hands-on training and sharing session designed to develop performance skills, industry knowledge, and community connections. These efforts highlight Avenue K's dedication to nurturing creative expression and empowering homegrown talent. Igniting Passion for Literacy and Learning Avenue K is home to a permanent Reading Corner curated by Books For A Better World (BFBW)—a cosy, self-service book store where visitors of all ages can browse, enjoy and purchase books at their own pace. This ongoing collaboration fosters a culture of literacy, discovery, and creativity. In support of the broader literary community, Avenue K also hosted the Global Book Crawl – Malaysia Edition (Grand Finale) from 26 – 27 April 2025, an initiative led by BFBW that celebrates the charm of independent bookshops nationwide. Through these efforts, Avenue K continues to nurture a thoughtful, engaged community with a deep passion for learning. Health and Fitness for All Avenue K continues to inspire active living with inclusive fitness programmes that energise and engage the community. In partnership with Fitness First, the mall has hosted a variety of wellness activities—from the adrenaline-fuelled Ice Warrior Challenge and high-intensity HYROX functional training, to calming yoga sessions and rhythm-packed Body Jam and Zumba workouts. These initiatives not only promote physical health, but also foster a fun, social environment that encourages everyone to get moving. Looking ahead, Avenue K will celebrate Global Wellness Day on 14 June 2025, with the main event taking place at Level 4, the mall's rooftop event space. The celebration will offer a full day of activities—including workout sessions, mindfulness practices, wellness talks, health screenings, and booths featuring healthy snacks and beverages—underscoring the mall's commitment to holistic well-being and making wellness accessible to all. Returning with Purpose: AK Balloon Run 9.0 Avenue K's signature event, the AK Balloon Run, returns for its 9th edition on 21 September 2025 —continuing its mission to unite people from all walks of life in a celebration of community, inclusivity, and joy. Open to runners, joggers, walkers, and differently-abled individuals, the event promotes not only a spirit of togetherness but also the importance of leading an active, healthy lifestyle. ADVERTISEMENT This year, Avenue K is proud to continue its collaboration with 360 All Ability, led by wheelchair fencer Daniel Lee, reinforcing our support for adaptive sports and inclusive participation. Together, we aim to promote acceptance, break down barriers, and celebrate the strength and resilience of every individual. Above all, AK Balloon Run 9.0 celebrates the strength of community—empowering everyone, regardless of ability, to come together, get moving, and be part of something bigger. Avenue K remains committed to championing inclusivity, unity, and the collective spirit that brings us all together. Sustainability Through Recycling As part of its ongoing sustainability commitment, Avenue K's Recycling Corner on Level C (Concourse) offers a convenient space for shoppers to recycle items such as e-waste, paper, plastics, and books. By promoting responsible disposal and conscious consumerism, the initiative encourages environmentally mindful practices within an urban setting—fostering a greener, more sustainable community. A Lasting Commitment to Community At Avenue K, community engagement and inclusivity are not one-off initiatives—they are part of our core identity. Staying true to our tagline 'Make Friends, Create Trends,' we strive to build meaningful connections and lead with purpose by championing causes that matter. As we continue to evolve alongside our city, we remain dedicated to creating experiences that connect, uplift, and celebrate every member of our diverse community. Whether through wellness, education, sustainability, or inclusion, Avenue K is proud to be a space where everyone belongs. Hashtag: #AvenueKMY #MakeFriendsCreateTrends #AKFriends #ShoppingMallMalaysia #ShoppingMall #NeurodiversityMatters #PetAdoptionMY #SupportLocalTalent #BooksForABetterWorld #GlobalWellnessDay #AKBalloonRun #Sustainability The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Avenue K Shopping Mall Avenue K is Kuala Lumpur's coolest urban hub, where life and creativity are celebrated. Far from a regular shopping mall, Avenue K is an experiential destination that has transformed the art of shopping. It captivates the senses with exciting experiences and Instagrammable spaces waiting to be discovered. Avenue K is where you make friends, and create trends. For more information, please visit
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Local centre hosts Autism Awareness Day
The Keakgona Kefentse ASD Resource Centre recently hosted an Autism Awareness Day at the Edenvale Community Hall, putting a spotlight on autism and the importance of community support for families navigating the spectrum. The event brought together residents, caregivers, and advocates in a spirit of solidarity, education, and empowerment. Edenvale resident Natrisha Somiah shared her journey of raising her five-year-old son, diagnosed with autism. ALSO READ: Local NPO hosts awareness on autism Her story resonated with many in attendance, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs of parenting a child on the spectrum. The event was made possible through the generous support of various individuals and organisations. A special thanks was extended to Heather Hart for ensuring access to the community hall, and to Andrew Morifi, committee member of Ward 18, for his involvement. Mark from Dan Bakery kindly provided refreshments, while spiritual encouragement and partnership came from Pastors George of the Word Alive Christian Center and Sister Gillian from the Methodist Church's Faith and Light Organisation. ALSO READ: Update: Plans to expand infrastructure to accommodate autism learners announced by GDE Other supporters included Wendy Ngwenya of Motherly Play ECD in Edenvale, students from Impilo Royal College, and dedicated autism moms from Con Amore, Chantal Mathays and Norah Kachione, who brought their lived experiences and strength to the day. The event was a beautiful reminder that awareness is the first step toward acceptance and inclusion. Keakgona Kefentse ASD Resource Centre continues to be a beacon of hope and support for families in Edenvale and beyond. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
CNN
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
How ‘Love on the Spectrum' season 3 cast learned to embrace the uncomfortable
As someone with autism, Madison Marilla would often feel left out as her neurotypical friends would get in relationships and go on dates in high school. At the time, she tried to invite some other friends with special needs to prom with her, but they said they were too shy to attend a big school event, she said. 'This happened in high school quite a bit, because … emotionally, I was developmentally delayed, but not intellectually,' she said. 'I did not understand the complex social skills involved in dating when I was in high school that most people my age understood at the time.' Watching Netflix's reality show, 'Love on the Spectrum,' inspired Marilla, now 27, to give dating another try. She is one of the participants on the US version of the series' third season, which premiered on April 2 on Autism Awareness Day. About 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States have autism, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Worldwide, about 1% of the population, or 75 million people, have received a diagnosis of autism, says the advocacy organization Autism Speaks. Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is categorized by a range of symptoms, including various challenges with social communication and interaction, but many adults on the spectrum still desire to lead active social lives. Navigating the dating world as someone with autism was tricky for Marilla, and her first date on the show did not go as she had hoped. He was sensitive to noises at the restaurant where they went on their date, and they didn't have many similar interests. Still, she didn't give up after the one date and is now telling people that 'finding love on the spectrum is possible.' During the process, Marilla learned how to find the balance of stepping outside one's comfort zone, but not too far to where it could be disorienting for people both on and off the spectrum, said Jennifer Cook, the on-camera neurodiversity expert for the show, who also has an autism diagnosis. Cook often coaches neurodiverse people with a goal to have more connected lives and relationships, and helps them understand and identify hidden social rules. 'It's important for everybody to do things that are outside of their comfort zones, wherever you fall on the human spectrum,' Cook said. 'It's what makes us better and more creative and more fabulous individuals.' Here's what Cook and several participants from the show shared about what it's like going outside of the comfort zone for people on the spectrum, and their advice can apply to anyone trying to date in the 21st century. When Marilla was preparing for her first date, she met with Cook beforehand. She wanted to know things such as what she should talk about with her date, and whether she could bring items that make her comfortable — Marilla has an impressive collection of dolls and often brings a few along on outings. Marilla's first date on the show might have been a good example of what Cook describes as the layers to stepping outside one's comfort zone. Marilla, who had been on dates before and enjoys going out, was in what Cook calls the 'learning zone.' 'We're in that midplace where we're engaged, but we're not unfocused, either by boredom or by panic. We're feeling curious and interested in the people and places and things that are around us. We want to learn. We want to acquire new relationships and new skills,' Cook said. 'It's the Goldilocks thing.' But Marilla's date, who had expressed on the show he was uncomfortable by the restaurant noise before the pair moved outside, was most likely in what Cook refers to as the 'panic zone,' Marilla said. 'That's when you're in a place of extreme feelings. So, you might feel confused, you might feel disoriented, insecure or even inept, like 'I can't do this,'' Cook said. 'When we're in that zone, we can't take in any new information, we can't think flexibly, we can't communicate well with others.' That's true for everyone, Cook noted. 'This is not unique to autistic individuals.' When going outside the comfort zone, Cook often tells people on the spectrum who seek her advice to set goals that reflect what one can control. Even though Marilla didn't find her first date to be a good match, she had still accomplished what she wanted to do, which was go on a date. Because she didn't give up, Marilla went on another first date and found a better match. And yes, the pair was still going on dates after the show stopped filming, she said. Abbey Romeo, 26, who was diagnosed with autism at 2 years old, has been a participant of 'Love on the Spectrum' since the show's first season, during which she met her current boyfriend. They have been dating for nearly four years. During her first date, Romeo remembers feeling very nervous. 'I felt like I was going to throw up because I had no memories connected with David (Isaacman, her boyfriend). We didn't go to school together,' she said. 'But I found out that we have a lot of things in common — not everything, but a lot of things.' When trying new things, what Romeo's mom taught her helped a lot — speaking positively to herself when she is feeling nervous. 'You could say, 'Everything's going to be OK. It's totally normal to feel this way.' And I also say, 'I think I can. I think I can,' just like the little engine that could, but instead, I'm the little engine that did,' Romeo said. The couple also 'understand each other's sensory needs,' Romeo said, which is important as 'there are many different types of autism.' Sometimes, they each need breaks from each other or the world, which can involve going on their phones or taking a moment to be alone in another room. While Romeo and her boyfriend have a lot in common, such as their love for animals, particularly lions, they also have different interests that they have shown to one another, such as different foods to try and places to see. Cook often gets asked about the challenge of hearing and understanding someone else's perspective. While not specific to those with autism, it is often a challenge shared by people on the spectrum. 'That's where you get the misunderstanding that autistic people are unempathetic,' Cook said. 'That could not be more wrong.' It is called the 'theory of mind,' which is the ability to understand and attribute other people's thoughts and emotions, and can be difficult for autistic people to do without being taught or having previously experienced the other person's perspective, Cook said. There is also the challenge of anticipating what someone will say and then naturally responding to it in real time. Cook's advice, for those on the spectrum or not, is to be authentic. It is OK to acknowledge the awkward silence of a date, or to bring a small doll or two if that will help someone feel more confident in stepping outside of their comfort zone, she said. For those looking to support someone in their life who is autistic and wants to step into their learning zone, Cook suggests teaching and practicing coping skills with that person. Her favorite is a method that uses all five senses and helps someone slow down when in anxiety-inducing situations: 'Identify five things that you can see, four things that you can hear, three things you can feel, two you can taste and one you can smell.' As people who are both on the spectrum, Romeo and Marilla agree that it is important to step out of your comfort zone, even if it can be scary. Marilla's friend gave her this advice, which she shared: 'Life is at its best when you're outside your comfort zone, and it's best to let yourself out, not hold yourself in,' she said. 'And those are very true words I stick to this day, and they have helped me with the dating process.'
CNN
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
How ‘Love on the Spectrum' season 3 cast learned to embrace the uncomfortable
As someone with autism, Madison Marilla would often feel left out as her neurotypical friends would get in relationships and go on dates in high school. At the time, she tried to invite some other friends with special needs to prom with her, but they said they were too shy to attend a big school event, she said. 'This happened in high school quite a bit, because … emotionally, I was developmentally delayed, but not intellectually,' she said. 'I did not understand the complex social skills involved in dating when I was in high school that most people my age understood at the time.' Watching Netflix's reality show, 'Love on the Spectrum,' inspired Marilla, now 27, to give dating another try. She is one of the participants on the US version of the series' third season, which premiered on April 2 on Autism Awareness Day. About 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States have autism, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Worldwide, about 1% of the population, or 75 million people, have received a diagnosis of autism, says the advocacy organization Autism Speaks. Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is categorized by a range of symptoms, including various challenges with social communication and interaction, but many adults on the spectrum still desire to lead active social lives. Navigating the dating world as someone with autism was tricky for Marilla, and her first date on the show did not go as she had hoped. He was sensitive to noises at the restaurant where they went on their date, and they didn't have many similar interests. Still, she didn't give up after the one date and is now telling people that 'finding love on the spectrum is possible.' During the process, Marilla learned how to find the balance of stepping outside one's comfort zone, but not too far to where it could be disorienting for people both on and off the spectrum, said Jennifer Cook, the on-camera neurodiversity expert for the show, who also has an autism diagnosis. Cook often coaches neurodiverse people with a goal to have more connected lives and relationships, and helps them understand and identify hidden social rules. 'It's important for everybody to do things that are outside of their comfort zones, wherever you fall on the human spectrum,' Cook said. 'It's what makes us better and more creative and more fabulous individuals.' Here's what Cook and several participants from the show shared about what it's like going outside of the comfort zone for people on the spectrum, and their advice can apply to anyone trying to date in the 21st century. When Marilla was preparing for her first date, she met with Cook beforehand. She wanted to know things such as what she should talk about with her date, and whether she could bring items that make her comfortable — Marilla has an impressive collection of dolls and often brings a few along on outings. Marilla's first date on the show might have been a good example of what Cook describes as the layers to stepping outside one's comfort zone. Marilla, who had been on dates before and enjoys going out, was in what Cook calls the 'learning zone.' 'We're in that midplace where we're engaged, but we're not unfocused, either by boredom or by panic. We're feeling curious and interested in the people and places and things that are around us. We want to learn. We want to acquire new relationships and new skills,' Cook said. 'It's the Goldilocks thing.' But Marilla's date, who had expressed on the show he was uncomfortable by the restaurant noise before the pair moved outside, was most likely in what Cook refers to as the 'panic zone,' Marilla said. 'That's when you're in a place of extreme feelings. So, you might feel confused, you might feel disoriented, insecure or even inept, like 'I can't do this,'' Cook said. 'When we're in that zone, we can't take in any new information, we can't think flexibly, we can't communicate well with others.' That's true for everyone, Cook noted. 'This is not unique to autistic individuals.' When going outside the comfort zone, Cook often tells people on the spectrum who seek her advice to set goals that reflect what one can control. Even though Marilla didn't find her first date to be a good match, she had still accomplished what she wanted to do, which was go on a date. Because she didn't give up, Marilla went on another first date and found a better match. And yes, the pair was still going on dates after the show stopped filming, she said. Abbey Romeo, 26, who was diagnosed with autism at 2 years old, has been a participant of 'Love on the Spectrum' since the show's first season, during which she met her current boyfriend. They have been dating for nearly four years. During her first date, Romeo remembers feeling very nervous. 'I felt like I was going to throw up because I had no memories connected with David (Isaacman, her boyfriend). We didn't go to school together,' she said. 'But I found out that we have a lot of things in common — not everything, but a lot of things.' When trying new things, what Romeo's mom taught her helped a lot — speaking positively to herself when she is feeling nervous. 'You could say, 'Everything's going to be OK. It's totally normal to feel this way.' And I also say, 'I think I can. I think I can,' just like the little engine that could, but instead, I'm the little engine that did,' Romeo said. The couple also 'understand each other's sensory needs,' Romeo said, which is important as 'there are many different types of autism.' Sometimes, they each need breaks from each other or the world, which can involve going on their phones or taking a moment to be alone in another room. While Romeo and her boyfriend have a lot in common, such as their love for animals, particularly lions, they also have different interests that they have shown to one another, such as different foods to try and places to see. Cook often gets asked about the challenge of hearing and understanding someone else's perspective. While not specific to those with autism, it is often a challenge shared by people on the spectrum. 'That's where you get the misunderstanding that autistic people are unempathetic,' Cook said. 'That could not be more wrong.' It is called the 'theory of mind,' which is the ability to understand and attribute other people's thoughts and emotions, and can be difficult for autistic people to do without being taught or having previously experienced the other person's perspective, Cook said. There is also the challenge of anticipating what someone will say and then naturally responding to it in real time. Cook's advice, for those on the spectrum or not, is to be authentic. It is OK to acknowledge the awkward silence of a date, or to bring a small doll or two if that will help someone feel more confident in stepping outside of their comfort zone, she said. For those looking to support someone in their life who is autistic and wants to step into their learning zone, Cook suggests teaching and practicing coping skills with that person. Her favorite is a method that uses all five senses and helps someone slow down when in anxiety-inducing situations: 'Identify five things that you can see, four things that you can hear, three things you can feel, two you can taste and one you can smell.' As people who are both on the spectrum, Romeo and Marilla agree that it is important to step out of your comfort zone, even if it can be scary. Marilla's friend gave her this advice, which she shared: 'Life is at its best when you're outside your comfort zone, and it's best to let yourself out, not hold yourself in,' she said. 'And those are very true words I stick to this day, and they have helped me with the dating process.'
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What's Trending: Local Autism Awareness Events
AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF) – April 3rd is dedicated as Autism Awareness Day. To commemorate efforts to heighten awareness, local organizations have created events to increase support. NewsChannel 6's Dee Griffin spoke with John Hales of the Augusta Braves, team Offensive Coordinator Daniel Maddox and Deidre Roberson who is the Autism Walk organizer. On Saturday, the Augusta Braves will host a football game at 3 p.m. at 1337 Flowing Wells Road in Augusta. The goal is to raise awareness and promote acceptance, understanding and love for those affected by Autism. The next day, Sunday, April 6th, the third annual Autism Walk will be held at Lake Olmstead. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the walk beginning at 10 a.m. The cost is $30 per team. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
