SIBU: It is important that families and the community make every effort to help autistic children learn to lead a normal life.
Sibu Autistic Association president David Ngu said there can never be enough centres for autistic children.
Even if there were to be, he said parents should not leave it to the centre to train their children.
“As parents, we have a lot of time at home for children compared to teachers and caregivers in autism centres or institutions,” he said during a press conference here today (March 20).
Ngu said the golden age to give early intervention therapy is from the age of two to three years old as it would be more difficult if the children were older.
“To give awareness on the matter, the association will be holding a two-day National Autism Convention at a hotel here beginning May 6 for educators and parents to help them navigate the challenges of the autism spectrum disorder in schools and home through sharing sessions with a panel of experts.
“The convention will provide evidence-based information for educators in developing effective educational programmes for students with autism spectrum disorder.
“They will get to know the inclusive education, importance of play, occupational therapy and a balanced diet for students with autism,” he said.
Ngu said according to the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), one out of 68 children are diagnosed with autism, which means 9,000 babies born in Malaysia will be diagnosed with autism.
“Based on information from the Lau King Howe Memorial Children’s Clinic at Agape Sibu Centre, children diagnosed with autism reach 100 every year. Last year, Sibu alone recorded up to 127 children identified as autistic,” he said.
Those who are interested to participate can register themselves by scanning a QR code of the convention at Sibu Autistic Association Facebook page.
Registration fee is RM100 for Malaysians and RM150 for foreigners.
