Saturday (06/02/2021), FMIPA UI academics consisting of lecturers and students held a community service program entitled Autiscare Edusains, namely an introduction to Covid-19 as well as psychomotor therapy for children with autism. The program, chaired by a lecturer from the Department of Biology, FMIPA UI, Dr. Retno Lestari, M. Si., is supported by the Directorate of Research and Community Service, University of Indonesia (DRPM UI) in collaboration with the Putra Fitri Therapy House Foundation.
The Autiscare Edusains activity involved ten autistic children fostered by the Putra Fitri Therapy House Foundation as participants. Their ages ranged from pre-teens to teenagers. The activity was carried out in accordance with health protocols. During the activity, participants were divided into groups consisting of 2 participants accompanied by one community service team member who was a student of FMIPA UI and a representative of the Foundation as a mentor.
Dr. Retno Lestari as the team leader explained, “This activity aims to provide education as well as psychomotor therapy to participants regarding the Covid-19 pandemic situation which is still spreading almost throughout the world, through a variety of interesting activities that focus on efforts to improve motor skills, creativity and independence of participants.” explained Dr. Retno
Education for these special children is packaged in a series of interesting activities. Starting with a simple explanation about COVID-19, things to do to protect yourself from exposure to the dangerous virus, getting to know various vegetable and fruit plants that can improve health and immunity, competing in handicraft creativity by utilizing used goods, to playing and singing together.
Ratna Komarawangsih as a representative of the Putra Fitri Therapy House Foundation, assessed that Autiscare Edusains by the FMIPA UI community service team succeeded in reaping the enthusiasm of the participants. Under the guidance of the mentors, the participants were very enthusiastic but remained focused during the activity.
“Even some children who need extra attention are able to follow the activities well,” said Ratna.
One of the mentors, Syella, said there was a challenge in understanding the expressions and conversations of these special children. This was because the children were wearing masks, so it took more effort for the mentors to be able to catch what they were saying.
