Articles

GIS student retells the true story of an autistic child in her debut book

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Apr 12, 2017

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 APRIL 2017 - When Huda Patel chose autism as the subject of her personal study at school, she never thought that it would lead to something bigger: making her debut as an author. The A-Level student from Garden International School (GIS) recently published a children’s book titled “My Name is Nadia. I have Autism”.

Huda Patel signing on her debut book during the book launch at Publika Shopping Mall

Nadia is a 9-year-old autistic girl from Johor, whom Huda met whilst conducting her research for her personal study. After meeting Nadia and her family members, Huda felt the urge to do something more. It didn’t take her long before she decided to retell the story of Nadia from a first-person narrative.

Her writing journey began last August. She travelled back and forth to the southern region to spend her weekends with Nadia and her family. They played, dined and interacted with each other.

“Getting to know Nadia in person opened up my mind. It transported me into the world of an autistic child and helped me to understand more about her thoughts, behaviour and feelings. Before this, all that I learned was from newspapers, television and the Internet,” said Huda.

Huda posing with her GIS schoolmates who came for her book launch at Publika Shopping Mall

“I hope this book will help to raise the awareness of autism in the community; it still carries social stigma and there is a lack of understanding about it. As mentioned by Dr Mariam Aljunied in the foreword of the book, ‘with better awareness, early intervention and good understanding as well as support from people around them, children with autism are being helped to reach their full potential’.

The book was officially launched on April 2nd at the Publika Shopping Mall. It has been sold in Malaysia, the United States and Singapore prior to the launch. The proceeds from the sale which amounted to RM10,000 were donated to the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom), Support for Parents, Infants and Children through Early Services (SPICES) and the Early Autism Project.

About Garden International School

Garden International School (GIS) is one of the world's leading international schools with a strong academic track record. Our high quality, holistic education ensures that our students leave us well equipped for life; it is not surprising that GIS students are in demand across the world and are sought after by the world’s best universities. GIS students benefit from our unique, innovative teaching and learning philosophy, integrating knowledge and skill development, supported by 66 years of heritage and a thriving alumni network. Accredited by the Council of International Schools, GIS is one of the oldest and most distinguished schools in Malaysia with two locations: Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur (Primary and Secondary School) and Desa Sri Hartamas (Early Years Centre). The school has been teaching the National Curriculum of England and Wales with modifications designed to meet the needs of international students. Garden International School; bringing out the best in you since 1951. For more information, please visit www.gardenschool.edu.my