KUCHING: A 13-year-old boy received assistance from Hope Place, after the social worker’s department of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) informed the non-governmental organisation (NGO) of the family’s struggles.
Allence Alexson George has severe autism with intellectual disability, probably since birth but was only diagnosed when he was two-years-old after his mother realised his abnormal behaviour.
According to Hope Place, Allence lives with his parents and two older siblings in Padawan, and Allence is very hyperactive and full of expressions.
“Sadly however, he is unable to speak, learn or behave like a normal person. Everyday, Allence needs assistance to do all ordinary daily routines like eating, bathing and putting on clothes. He is unable to control his bladder as well, and thus needs diapers,” Hope Place said in a statement on Thursday (March 21).
According to Allence’s mother, Imelda, 49, taking care of Allence is a 24/7 job.
Imelda told Hope Place that she has a hard time coping with Allence’s tantrums and emotional outburst, which in the past, has either hurt others in the family or himself physically.
“Sometimes when he’s upset for no reason, he’ll throw things and scream. Other times, he’ll try to run outside,” she related.
Because of this, Imelda has pleaded with doctors to give Allence medication to calm him down.
However, although anxious and stressed, Imelda loves her youngest child wholeheartedly, knowing that Allence is special and precious to her.
Allence’s father, Jodoh, 48, works as a lorry driver, earning minimum pay. Even though the family can get by, the expenses for Allence’s diapers is too much for the family to bear.
Allence is now home schooled by tutors from the Community Based Rehabilitation (PDK) from Mondays to Fridays and he is also receiving RM150 monthly from PDK.
Hope Place is supporting Allence with supplies of disposable diapers.
For more information, Hope Place or Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching (PKHK) can be reached at 082-505987. Opening hours are from 8am – 5pm from Mondays till Fridays and 8am – 12pm on Saturdays.
All donations are welcome and receipts will be given upon request. The public can donate directly to their bank account MBB: 511289001160 or go to their Facebook page to get the Sarawak Pay / S PAY GLOBAL QR code.
