Autism Artisans: Pioneering Neuro-Inclusive Halal Markets

Kurniawan Arif Maspul; Muhammad Ardhin

doi:10.47134/jpem.v2i3.797

Authors

Kurniawan Arif Maspul Al Madinah International University
Muhammad Ardhin University of the People

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47134/jpem.v2i3.797

Keywords:

Neuro-Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Halal-Certified Craftsmanship, Sensory-Adaptive Products, ASEAN Artisan Economy, Sustainable Disability Empowerment

Abstract

Autism Artisan Cooperatives (AACs) in Malaysia redefine neuro-inclusive prosperity by transforming autistic adults’ sensory strengths into economic and cultural power. Confronting systemic exclusion—fewer than 16% of autistic Malaysians hold stable jobs (Khalid, 2024)—AACs leverage a $680 billion global artisan market (UNESCO, 2021) through halal-certified, sensory-adapted goods like tactile songket textiles and weighted blankets, crafted in SIRIM-compliant workshops. Backed by SME Corp’s e-commerce networks and MHDC’s design mentorship, AACs boosted artisan incomes by 40% in Kelantan (MHDC, 2022), while behavioral “nudges” and AI co-design (ChatGPT) amplify autistic innovation. Strategic alliances with Islamic NGOs slashed employer stigma by 72% (DOSM, 2023), reframing neurodiversity as communal strength (ummah), and halal compliance unlocks a $3.2 trillion global market (State of the Global Islamic Economy, 2022). Outpacing models like India’s Gramshree, AACs merge circular-economy practices (upcycled batik) with Elkington’s triple bottom line, proving that equity and sustainability are mutually catalytic. This blueprint—where cultural heritage, ethical consumerism, and neurodiverse talent converge—charts a scalable path for global resilience, transforming autism from marginalization to market leadership.

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