By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 24: The number of children in Malaysia diagnosed with autism has shown a significant increase, rising by 815 per cent from 6,991 cases in 2013 to 63,966 cases as of September 2024.
Federal Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, revealed that this marks an increase of 10,859 children with autism compared to 2023, Harian Metro reported in October.
“Efforts and support for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) cases involve a cross-ministerial approach and require various expertise and assistance.
“This approach is necessary to ensure that the support provided is holistic, promoting development, equality of rights and opportunities, as well as active participation.
“The support encompasses aspects of care, rehabilitation and intervention, education, healthcare, and employment. This requires the full involvement of every agency based on their expertise, jurisdiction, and respective roles,” she stated in a written reply in Parliament.
To enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism, the Ministry has developed two key modules, namely the ‘Child Care and Caregiving Module for Children with Autism’ and the ‘Psychological Support Module for Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities (PwD)’.
Additionally, psychological and counselling services are offered to parents of children with autism through the Community-Based Rehabilitation Programme (PDK), which includes psycho-educational interventions and group counselling sessions.
Nancy also acknowledged the shortage of certified professionals to handle services related to children with autism.
Following this, the issue will be brought to the committee under the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (MBOKU) for further deliberation. — DayakDaily
