As part of activities to mark Autism Awareness Month in April, Mulan Neurodiversity School, led by its CEO, Thara Brigitte Mills, an Autism Advocate, organized a series of impactful initiatives aimed at promoting acceptance, inclusion, and support for children with special needs and autism.
The activities commenced with a heartwarming dinner night for parents of children with autism. The event provided a safe and supportive environment for families to connect, share experiences, and encourage one another, reinforcing the message that no parent is alone on this journey.
During the dinner, the school announced a 10% discount on therapy services for its learners, alongside a month-long free therapy programme, as part of efforts to make essential support more accessible to families.
Following the dinner, the second event was an outreach held at the National Assessment and Resource Center.
The school deployed a team of professionals, including speech and behavioural therapists, to assess children and provide expert guidance.
This initiative supported early identification and intervention, while offering parents clearer direction on the care their children require.
Therapy materials to support interventions, as well as wheelchairs, were also presented to the centre.
The third major activity was a Neuro Walk, which brought together parents, professionals, and members of the public to raise awareness and advocate for the acceptance of individuals with autism and other special needs.
The walk served as a strong public call for society to embrace neurodiversity and end stigma.
In addition, Party Tree Vocational and Training School partnered in the initiative by training mothers of children with autism in practical skills such as baking, drink preparation, soap making, and fabric softener production. The aim was to empower these mothers financially, enabling them to better support their children’s therapy and overall needs.
The CEO also intensified advocacy efforts throughout the month, publishing weekly articles across online and social media platforms and participating in discussions on autism and inclusion, including engagements on Onua TV’s autism forum.
These engagements amplified key messages on inclusion. Society—particularly parents and educational institutions—was urged to stop rejecting children with special needs. Speakers emphasized that such children are not less valuable, but rather require the right environment and support systems to thrive. Parents were encouraged to seek help and support instead of hiding their children due to stigma.
Schools were also called out for discriminatory practices, especially the refusal to admit children with special needs, and were urged to adopt inclusive approaches that ensure equal access to education.
Furthermore, misconceptions surrounding autism were addressed, particularly the belief that it is a curse. Speakers clarified that autism is a developmental condition and not linked to spiritual causes or wrongdoing. Such misconceptions, they noted, contribute to stigma, discrimination, and neglect.
The public was therefore encouraged to embrace individuals with autism, while families were urged to fully accept and support their children.
Overall, the series of activities highlighted the urgent need for a shift in mindset—one that replaces stigma with understanding, rejection with acceptance, and exclusion with opportunity.
Through these initiatives, Mulan Neurodiversity School, under the leadership of Thara Brigitte Mills, has reaffirmed its commitment to advocacy, support, and empowerment for children with autism and their families.
The school also called on government to prioritise special education within the national education system and to provide greater support for parents raising children with special needs.
