Latest news with #Malaysians
The Sun
an hour ago
- Health
- The Sun
Autism still misunderstood despite growing awareness
PETALING JAYA: Autism awareness in Malaysia has improved over the past decade, but persistent misconceptions continue to hinder proper support and inclusion, according to consultant paediatrician and child-disability advocate Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS. He added that the rate of autism has increased in society over the past 30 to 40 years and referred to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which estimates that this year one in every 31 children or 3.2% will have autism. 'This increase is partly due to better detection, but also reflects a real rise in the number of persons with autism,' he said. Malaysia has seen a similar trend. According to the Social Welfare Department, the number of children diagnosed with autism rose over a decade from 6,991 in 2013 to 53,323 in 2023. Amar said although more Malaysians are familiar with the term autism today, many still mistakenly view it as a disease that needs to be cured. 'Autism is not a medical condition, illness or disease. An autistic person is someone whose brain works differently from others. We often use the term 'neurodivergent',' he explained. He highlighted that stereotypical portrayals in the media have shaped public perceptions of autistic individuals and stressed the importance of respectful language. 'We prefer (them) being called 'persons with disabilities' or 'disabled', rather than 'differently abled' or 'special needs'. For autism, use 'person with autism', 'autistic person' if that is the individual's preference, 'neurodiverse person' or 'person on the autism spectrum'. 'Avoid labels such as 'low-functioning' or 'high-functioning', and terms such as 'mild', 'moderate' or 'severe',' he said, adding that autistic people are as diverse as any other group. Amar emphasised that proper language upholds dignity and celebrates diversity, avoiding harmful stereotypes. He said one of the largest gaps in Malaysia's approach is early intervention. Highlighting international figures, Amar said at least 10% to 15% of children have developmental disabilities, yet many are only identified when they enter school, often too late for effective support. He stressed that early screening and intervention can significantly improve inclusion, reduce reliance on special education and enhance long-term outcomes, including employability and independence. An effective early intervention programme includes inclusive kindergarten placements with small teacher-to-child ratios, personalised education plans, communication therapy, social skills development and behaviour support from trained professionals. Amar called for a shift from NGO or privately led services to government funded, mainstream provisions accessible across all communities, including rural, indigenous and urban poor areas. He also advocated family centred care and universal design in learning, moving away from deficit based models. Among the practical barriers faced by families, Amar pointed out a lack of routine developmental screening for children aged two to six and the limited availability of early intervention services, especially for marginalised groups such as rural, indigenous, migrant and stateless families. He added that a key issue is the lack of consultation with autistic individuals by organisations and government bodies. 'The motto 'nothing about us without us' demands that autistic people be included in leadership and policy discussions. Inclusion starts with listening,' he said. Amar also noted that autistic individuals who belong to other marginalised communities face compounded barriers and are even more likely to be excluded. 'We need policy shifts that take a rights-based approach. Not charity, not pity, but rights. 'Autistic people should be at the centre of discussions about policies that affect them.'
The Sun
an hour ago
- Health
- The Sun
Autism awareness grows, but gaps in support remain
PETALING JAYA: Autism awareness in Malaysia has improved over the past decade, but persistent misconceptions continue to hinder proper support and inclusion, according to consultant paediatrician and child-disability advocate Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS. He added that the rate of autism has increased in society over the past 30 to 40 years and referred to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which estimates that this year one in every 31 children or 3.2% will have autism. 'This increase is partly due to better detection, but also reflects a real rise in the number of persons with autism,' he said. Malaysia has seen a similar trend. According to the Social Welfare Department, the number of children diagnosed with autism rose over a decade from 6,991 in 2013 to 53,323 in 2023. Amar said although more Malaysians are familiar with the term autism today, many still mistakenly view it as a disease that needs to be cured. 'Autism is not a medical condition, illness or disease. An autistic person is someone whose brain works differently from others. We often use the term 'neurodivergent',' he explained. He highlighted that stereotypical portrayals in the media have shaped public perceptions of autistic individuals and stressed the importance of respectful language. 'We prefer (them) being called 'persons with disabilities' or 'disabled', rather than 'differently abled' or 'special needs'. For autism, use 'person with autism', 'autistic person' if that is the individual's preference, 'neurodiverse person' or 'person on the autism spectrum'. 'Avoid labels such as 'low-functioning' or 'high-functioning', and terms such as 'mild', 'moderate' or 'severe',' he said, adding that autistic people are as diverse as any other group. Amar emphasised that proper language upholds dignity and celebrates diversity, avoiding harmful stereotypes. He said one of the largest gaps in Malaysia's approach is early intervention. Highlighting international figures, Amar said at least 10% to 15% of children have developmental disabilities, yet many are only identified when they enter school, often too late for effective support. He stressed that early screening and intervention can significantly improve inclusion, reduce reliance on special education and enhance long-term outcomes, including employability and independence. An effective early intervention programme includes inclusive kindergarten placements with small teacher-to-child ratios, personalised education plans, communication therapy, social skills development and behaviour support from trained professionals. Amar called for a shift from NGO or privately led services to government funded, mainstream provisions accessible across all communities, including rural, indigenous and urban poor areas. He also advocated family centred care and universal design in learning, moving away from deficit based models. Among the practical barriers faced by families, Amar pointed out a lack of routine developmental screening for children aged two to six and the limited availability of early intervention services, especially for marginalised groups such as rural, indigenous, migrant and stateless families. He added that a key issue is the lack of consultation with autistic individuals by organisations and government bodies. 'The motto 'nothing about us without us' demands that autistic people be included in leadership and policy discussions. Inclusion starts with listening,' he said. Amar also noted that autistic individuals who belong to other marginalised communities face compounded barriers and are even more likely to be excluded. 'We need policy shifts that take a rights-based approach. Not charity, not pity, but rights. 'Autistic people should be at the centre of discussions about policies that affect them.'
The Sun
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Spirit of togetherness must remain our strength
KUALA LUMPUR: The spirit of unity in Malaysia's multiracial society should be upheld as a symbol of strength to further reinforce national harmony, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. In a Facebook post in conjunction with the Gawai celebration, Fadillah said Malaysians are fortunate to be able to celebrate cultural and religious festivities in a peaceful and harmonious environment. Fadillah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Petra Jaya, noted that Sarawak, home to the country's most ethnically diverse population, stands as a prime example of racial harmony. 'Let us always appreciate and be grateful for the peace and unity we have long enjoyed. Celebrate Gawai with joy, through traditional customs and the spirit of visiting one another,' he said. He added that Gawai Dayak, as a symbol of unity and Dayak identity, reflects the richness of Malaysia's cultural diversity — where people of various races, religions, and backgrounds live together in peace. Gawai is celebrated in Sarawak on June 1 and 2 as an expression of gratitude following the end of the harvest season.
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
ISWAMI To Focus On Strategic Cooperation To Tackle Current Challenges
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- The Ikatan Setiakawan Malaysia-Indonesia (ISWAMI), a Malaysia-Indonesia journalist forum, will focus on strengthening strategic cooperation to ensure the dissemination of accurate and responsible information, with the aim of deepening mutual understanding between Malaysians and Indonesians. ISWAMI Malaysia president Ashwad Ismail said that the cooperation between ISWAMI Malaysia and Indonesia, established in 2005 as a bridge to strengthen media relations between the two countries, must now take into account current challenges, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). 'In this era of uncertainty and a divided world, coupled with the wave of artificial intelligence (AI) that is impacting all aspects of society and national life, the media, as originators of ideas and nation-builders, must take on a more proactive role in addressing challenges and promoting regional prosperity,' he said in a statement today. He said this in response to a meeting between Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Indonesian Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Viada Hafid in Tokyo, where both parties highlighted ISWAMI's vital role in strengthening media relations between the two countries. In this regard, Ashwad said ISWAMI Malaysia will hold follow-up discussions with Indonesian media partners to draft a joint action plan that includes journalist exchanges, professional training programmes, and the organisation of regional media forums and dialogues. He said this initiative aims to strengthen the media capacity of both countries by promoting media accountability through inclusive and solution-oriented journalism. Ashwad added that in an era of digital challenges and the rapid, complex spread of information, close cooperation among media organisations is crucial to ensure the delivery of accurate and responsible information and to foster mutual understanding between the people. He emphasised that, driven by the spirit of camaraderie, ISWAMI believes media professionals, journalists, and content creators can serve as vital agents in building shared prosperity between the societies of both countries. 'ISWAMI not only serves as a bridge to strengthen the network of professional journalists but also acts as a catalyst for fostering understanding and rapport among the people through more inclusive and forward-looking storytelling,' he said.
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Spirit Of Togetherness Must Remain Our Strength
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- The spirit of unity in Malaysia's multiracial society should be upheld as a symbol of strength to further reinforce national harmony, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. In a Facebook post in conjunction with the Gawai celebration, Fadillah said Malaysians are fortunate to be able to celebrate cultural and religious festivities in a peaceful and harmonious environment. Fadillah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Petra Jaya, noted that Sarawak, home to the country's most ethnically diverse population, stands as a prime example of racial harmony.
