Budding minds: Nancy (centre) and Mead Johnson Nutrition Malaysia and Singapore country manager Wong Choy Yee (third from left) with children at the A Expo at 1 Utama, Petaling Jaya. — SIA HONG KIAU/The Star
PETALING JAYA: It is high time for the country to have focused centres that cater to the needs of children with autism and its varying spectra through collaboration between the government and the private sector, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said the move is crucial, especially with the high number of autistic children registered with the Welfare Department, which totalled 60,217 as of June 30.
“So far, we only have PDK (community-based rehabilitation).
“To me, PDK is not very effective because it incorporates people with all types of disabilities.
“As such, if (autism-focused centres) can be established, it will be more effective. We just hope there is a party that can cooperate with the government on where we can contribute in terms of information on what is needed. “For us (government) to establish something right away is not easy. Thus, it is necessary to cooperate with the private sector,” she said after launching the Enfagrow A+ Future Ready A+ Kids Expo held in conjunction with World Brain Day at 1 Utama Shopping Centre here yesterday.
Nancy said this in response to the National Association of Autism Malaysia (Nasom) president Datuk Megat Ahmad Shahrani Megat Shahrudin’s call for at least 30 autism care centres to accommodate the number of special needs children and ease the burden on parents in the country.
He said parents of autistic children also face problems as there are only 17 autism care centres nationwide.
When questioned about how some parents are in denial of their children’s autism, with some willing to cause harm or even kill their children, Nancy said it is worrying to see cases involving parents who lack knowledge on the condition.
She said it is crucial to share knowledge on the topic with the community, especially on early intervention for autism.
“We have autism awareness programmes according to zones; it is an ongoing process.
“It is not just one type of programme; it is a diverse initiative that entails experts in autism sharing with the community.
“The important thing is that early intervention will prevent the children’s deterioration.
“Some of these children are very intelligent, depending on the spectrum.
“So if you intervene at an early stage, you can help the children and their families.
“You can even help the country economically, as the knowledge can be shared with other children and parents,” Nancy said.
Nasom reported that there was a 30% rise in student needs within the first half of 2024.
However, the placement of children remains a significant challenge, hindering proper development and care.
Subsequently, there is an urgent need for a large-scale “smart therapy centre” dedicated to the autism community, Nasom said.
