TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Happiness was reflected on the faces of five children with autism when they swayed their steps on the runway. The children were participating as models at The Allure of Tenun fashion show which is a part of the 2014 Fashion Nation, held at Senayan City, Jakarta, Wednesday.

The children were wearing colorful batik collections of Alleira Batik. Ade Kartika, a representative of Allaira Batik said they were given opportunity to participate in the fashion event to celebrate the World Autism Awareness Day that falls on April 2.

"They are incredible children who are able to show themselves as models," said Ade.

According to Gayatri Pamoedji, the Chairwoman of the Society Awareness of Autism in Indonesia (MPATI), her non-profit foundation has been working together with Alleira Batik in campaigning awareness of autism in Indonesian society. MPATI, which was established in 2004, has been focusing on providing information, giving out education tools for people with autism for free, providing workshops and counseling.

"We are doing the integrated campaigns such as accurate diagnosis, appropriate educations and provide solid support for children with autism so that they can have brighter future," said Gayatri.

MPATI had also been cooperating with Jakarta government to establish Jakarta Autism Service that provides free coaching for parents of children with autism. "[This is] so that parents are able to teach basic ability of autonomy to their autistic children," Gayatri added.

HADRIANI P