The Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon, in collaboration with the Rainbow Room and Myanmar Autism Association (MAA), jointly organized the "Workshop on Autism: Knowledge Sharing and Counseling Techniques" between 26-27 July 2014 at the Embassy’s Conference Hall.  The aim was to share knowledge and experiences in how to properly care for children with autism, as parents and teachers need to understand and use appropriate techniques to engage the children with love and understanding. The workshop was attended by over 60 participants including teachers, parents of children with autism and volunteers, and the opening ceremony was presided over by U Tin Zaw Moe from the Ministry of Social Welfare of Yangon Region and Mrs. Thipayasuda Suvannajata, spouse of Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar.

            "Workshop on Autism : Knowledge Sharing and Counseling Technics" was supported by the Rainbow Room, a non-profit special needs awareness centre, led by Ms. Rosalina Kularb Alexander, Chairperson of the Rainbow Room, and joined by two experts, namely Dr. Kwan Hansongkitpong and Ms. Sarah Niehoff. They shared their knowledge and counseling techniques, as well as how to build up inspiration and moral support for parents and teachers in caring for children with autism who need to be loved and understood. Their mission to Myanmar was supported on travel and accommodation by NOK Air and Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon, respectively, while Muang Thai Life Assurance and KPMG sponsored food for the workshop.

            In the last session, the executive committees and key members of MAA requested a work-out session in small group with the Rainbow Room for detailed discussion on how to further cooperate to help children with autism, such as skill development and vocational training, so that they can grow up and support themselves in the long term.  The Thai side is pleased to continue the support for these activities by sharing experiences in order to raise awareness and promote understanding on autism in Myanmar, so that these children can grow up as capable adults.

            This Workshop was a third in the series of cooperation between the Embassy and MAA, as the past activities were successful with overwhelmed responses from the parents, teachers and other personnel related to autism.  Previously, the Thai side organized an experience sharing seminar in February 2014 and an art therapy workshop in June 2014.  The Thai experts were so impressed by the large turnout and enthusiasm of the Myanmar participants that they worked tirelessly to share their expertise throughout the programmes.