Latest news with #WorldAutismMonth
The Star
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
A local trilingual website offers information on autism for every stage of life
Despite autism spectrum disorder (ASD) being understood as a lifelong condition, many still perceive it as a 'childhood disease', with developmental milestones in infancy and toddlerhood the main diagnostic criteria. Annually, during April's World Autism Month, programmes and activities are mostly organised for children, further solidifying this belief among the public. And yet, those on the spectrum never grow out of autism. In fact, as they grow older, they (and their caregivers) face different sets of challenges that may feel foreign and daunting. Consultant developmental paediatrician Assoc Prof Dr Norazlin Kamal Nor says because of this perception, most resources on ASD are focused on babies and kids. 'But as people with autism grow up, they find that there are less and less places to get information from and this affects their well-being, not to mention their caregivers',' she adds. Assoc Prof Dr Norazlin was speaking after the launch of the Malaysian Autism Resource Foundation (MARF)'s website at the Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Hospital, which is also the UKM Specialist Children's Hospital. The website, is a one-stop site for parents, teachers, therapists and those with autism. Assoc Prof Dr Norazlin, who also sits on MARF's board, says a plus point of this website is that it's a comprehensive resource for different parts of life for a person living with ASD. 'It covers information from their early years and school age to adolescence and adulthood, with explanation on a range of topics including behaviour, communication, emotional well-being and independent living,' she adds. She says while there is a lot of information about autism in English, details in Malay and Chinese are limited. 'That's why we have this website in three languages; to make it more accessible to more people so they can read up and understand,' she says. MARF founder Dr Ng Sui Yin agrees. She says some websites in Mandarin require subscription so she hopes this free website will encourage Mandarin-speaking families to find more information about this condition. A lifelong challenge A paediatric neurologist, Dr Ng says an autism diagnosis is often the start of a challenging time for families. According to a 2001 study titled 'Families of adolescents and adults with autism: Uncharted territory' by MM Seltzer et al., 'few disabilities appear to be more taxing on parents than ASDs'. A 2023 article in Psychology Today explains that a marriage is more likely to be stressed when it has a child with special needs. 'Surveys show that the rate of divorce in families with a child with disabilities (in the United States) may be as high as 87%. The divorce rate in families with a child with autism is about 80%,' the article says. Dr Ng says the divorce rate among couples with an autistic child is high because of the financial, emotional and physical strain that come with it. 'People are not properly empowered and they lack the knowledge and resources to manage these challenges. Hopefully, a comprehensive website like this will help them navigate this journey better.' Dr Ng reiterates that this website does not replace consultations with experts, but she says at the doctor's office, parents of an autistic child may feel overwhelmed. 'They could be bombarded with so much information that they might not know what to ask at that point. This website allows them to access information when they are ready,' she adds. Dr Ng says an autism diagnosis is often the start of a challenging time for families. Photo: LOW LAY PHON/The Star Debunking misinformation Assoc Prof Dr Norazlin says misinformation about autism is rampant, especially online and on social media, so it is imperative that all the information disseminated on the website are verified by experts, including doctors, psychologists and therapists. 'There's a lot of stress and anxiety in the lives of families with a child or children with autism. When people are stressed, they look for answers and sometimes believe unverified information,' she says. An example of this misinformation is the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a treatment for ASD. This involves breathing in 100% oxygen in a pressurised chamber. Proponents say this practice helps improve eye contact, social skills and awareness levels among those with autism. A 2017 study by paediatric emergency physician Dr Teeranai Sakulchit said 'currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of HBOT to treat children with ASD, and its use as a form of treatment is not recommended'. Assoc Prof Dr Norazlin says a hyperbaric chamber might sound sophisticated and parents may be swayed by testimonials, but testimonials themselves are not solid evidence. 'In a worst case scenario, it can have fatal consequences, like a five-year-old boy in Michigan (in the US) who died during an HBOT treatment a few months back,' she says. In January, the boy, Thomas Cooper, died in a hyperbaric chamber fire. His parents had taken him to receive multiple sessions of HBOT for sleep apnoea and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – the latter a condition that can co-occur with autism – at an alternative medicine facility. 'That's why, for us, it is so important for everything published on the website to be verified, with robust research data to back them up,' she adds. The website offers comprehensive information about autism for every stage of life. Photo: Other issues about autism Dr Ng says the website offers information and resources on other issues about ASD, beyond diagnosis and treatment. 'These include legal implications like OKU rights, the impact on other siblings and how to go about it, how to find balance in parenting and coping with loss,' she adds. 'There's also a section on how to prepare someone with ASD for examinations, because some kids with autism can go through schooling and learning with other kids, but their caregivers need to employ certain strategies to help them thrive,' she says. Assoc Prof Dr Norazlin says as a society, we still have a long way to go in accepting autism as a lifelong condition that comes with different sets of challenges across a person's lifespan. 'We're still working through that... there are still very few specialists who work with adults with ASD and we hope this can improve over the years.' Inclusivity, she says, is a two-way street. 'We want people to embrace those with autism with respect and dignity, and we also want to educate those with ASD about other people and the world they live in,' she concludes.
Borneo Post
27-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SME Bank sets out to empower autistic entrepreneurs
Mohammad Hardee (right) visits one of the booths showcasing the talents and creations of autism-spectrum individuals. Standing, at left, is Mohd Adli. KUALA LUMPUR (April 27): Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) has partnered with the Autism Café Project, a homegrown social enterprise supported by the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom), in a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative meant to champion inclusive entrepreneurship and promote community-based empowerment for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This meaningful collaboration also coincided with the celebration of World Autism Month 2025. Acting group president and chief executive officer of SME Bank, Datuk Dr Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, emphasised the bank's commitment to building a more diverse SME ecosystem – aligning with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MEDC) agenda, which also placed emphasis on this segment under its 'Special Focus Group'. 'We are proud to play a direct role in shaping a more equitable economy through our partnership with the Autism Café Project and supported by Nasom – reflecting our dedication to empowering entrepreneurs, including individuals with autism. 'It aligns closely with SME Bank's sustainability journey and our vision to create meaningful value within the SME ecosystem –not only through financial services, but also by uplifting unserved and underserved communities, ensuring equal opportunities for all. 'By offering tools, guidance, and encouragement, we hope to be able to help them achieve financial independence, whilst making a difference in their lives,' said Mohammad Hardee. A recent two-day event commenced with an awareness sharing-session for SME Bank employees, featuring speakers from the Autism Café Project and Nasom. The session was designed to deepen employees' understanding of autistic individuals across all age groups: children, youths and adults. This was followed by a one-day bazaar at Menara SME Bank, which highlighted the talents of autistics entrepreneurs through a variety of offerings, including food and beverages, handicrafts, artwork, and clothing. The event also served as a platform to support these entrepreneurs in pursuing their business goals, supported by employees of SME Bank, in line with ongoing efforts to promote greater economic empowerment and financial independence. Mohd Adli Yahya, founder of the Autism Café Project, lauded SME Bank for its proactive role in raising awareness about individuals living with autism and promoting an inclusive society. 'Empowering autistic individuals through entrepreneurship goes beyond income generation – it fosters dignity, inclusion, and meaningful participation in society. 'Together with SME Bank, we are helping to break down social barriers, normalise the integration of more autistic individuals in the society, and build stronger, more compassionate communities. 'This partnership not only supports individuals with autism but also drives broader societal change by promoting a more inclusive and resilient economic landscape.' In Malaysia, micro-SMEs (MSMEs) constitute 96.9 per cent of all registered businesses, and employ nearly half of the national workforce based on data from SME Corp Malaysia. Concurrently, statistics from the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy reveal a significant rise of over 663 per cent in autism diagnoses between 2013 and 2023, with registered cases increasing from 6,991 to 53,323. This sharp increase underscores the urgent need for inclusive initiatives that equip individuals on the autism spectrum with the skills, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial pathways necessary for greater independence. From empowering underserved entrepreneurs to supporting local education and sustainability efforts, SME Bank is making an impact in communities nationwide. Stay updated with the latest initiatives, success stories, and community outreach programmes on SME Bank's Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok platforms. Founded in 2016, the Autism Café Project in Kota Damansara supports 114 individuals with autism, providing vocational training and work experience to help them become self-reliant and entrepreneurial. Nasom is a non-profit that offers education, care, and support for individuals with autism and their families. With over 15 centres across Malaysia, the organisation provides services like early intervention, therapy, vocational training, and family support, while advocating for autism awareness and acceptance. autism corporate social responsibility entrepreneurs lead SME Bank
Barnama
23-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
SME Bank Collaborates with Autism Cafe Project to Empower Autistic Entrepreneurs
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad ('SME Bank') has partnered with The Autism Cafe Project ('ACP'), a homegrown social enterprise supported by the National Autism Society of Malaysia ('NASOM'), in a Corporate Social Responsibility ('CSR') initiative to champion inclusive entrepreneurship and promote community-based empowerment for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder ('ASD'). This meaningful collaboration also coincides with the celebration of World Autism Month 2025. Datuk Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Acting Group President and Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank, emphasised the Bank's commitment to building a more diverse SME ecosystem – aligning with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development ('MEDC') agenda which also places emphasis on this segment under the Ministry's 'Kumpulan Fokus Khas'.
Irish Independent
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Neurodivergent friendly festival ‘Sensoria' returns to Dublin next weekend
The free ticketed event will take place over three sessions each day, with each session running for two hours. Guests of all ages can select their preferred day and time slot and reserve tickets for April 26 and 27. 'We are delighted with the return of Dublin City Council Sensoria for 2025,' Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, said. 'This year, we have been able to expand the offering to two full days with three sessions each day, meaning we can entertain and delight even more neurodivergent families than ever before. 'Having worked closely with all of our stakeholders to build on last year's success - we're really looking forward to welcoming everyone along.' Visitors can expect an immersive event, catering to all age ranges and tailored to a whole range of comfort levels and interests. 'We are delighted to be supporting Sensoria again this year which will be particularly special as it falls during World Autism Month,' said Adam Harris, CEO of autism charity, AsIAm. 'This event recognises the often-invisible barriers which can prevent Autistic people and our families from having the same chance to access meaningful social, cultural and leisure activities. 'The feedback from community members on last year's event has been extremely positive and we are excited to build on that progress this year.' Visitors can look forward to the Strong Women Science Show, the awe-inspiring Magic Show, and a selection of exciting and uplifting music and dance performances from the likes of Moss Russell, Patrick Stefan and Aengus Devine. The Aerial Stage will have a Tumble Circus Cabaret Circus, while the Movement Tent will have yoga and dance classes with DCC Sports Inclusion Officers. ADVERTISEMENT Creative minds are sure to enjoy the Arts and Craft area, designed to get your artistic flow going in the natural surrounds of the park. For some quieter time, there'll be a reading zone, featuring the Dublin City Council Library Bus. Sensoria will also feature multiple areas for relaxation and self-regulation, including a sensory garden, and both adult and child friendly regulation spaces. Neurodiversity Information Village will be on site providing vital resources and information from AsIAm, Neurodiversity Ireland, ADHD Ireland, Dyslexia Ireland and Autism Assistance Dogs. You may also meet some very colourful characters as you wander through the park with some fairy and pirate guests as well as a juggler and stilt walker ready to keep you entertained. Dublin City Council Sensoria has been produced in consultation with a selection of experts and stakeholders including AsIam, Neurodiversity Ireland, ADHD Ireland and Dyslexia Ireland.
Al Etihad
20-04-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Top experts empower families in autism care at Abu Dhabi conference
20 Apr 2025 23:45 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)By bringing together top international experts and scientists, the 3rd International Conference on Autism Research Advancements not only showcases the latest trends and technologies that can help those on the spectrum — it also creates a meaningful space for families to connect with industry leaders and learn best practices. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO), the conference kicked off on Saturday and runs until April 22 at the Abu Dhabi Energy with World Autism Month, the event is jointly organised by the ZHO, ADNOC, Lotus Holistic Center – Abu Dhabi, and Fatima College of Health Sciences. It builds on the UAE's success in autism care by offering a global platform where research and best practices can be an interview with Aletihad, Prof. Afaf El-Ansary, Member of Autism Research and Treatment Center, King Saud University, highlighted the shift in autism research: 'There is a shift toward understanding autism as treatable. But we stress that treatments must be based on science. This conference supports evidence-based treatments — nothing built on illusions.'She drew the attention to how making science understandable for families can lead to early action and better outcomes.'Parents do not just learn — they practise, especially in behavioural therapy,' said El-Ansary, who is also a consultant of the Autism Centre at Lotus Holistic Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi, and Chair of the Conference's Scientific Helali, Founder and Chairperson of the Egyptian Advance Society for Persons with Autism, discussed how the new approach to autism goes beyond workshops.'Neurodiversity applies to various challenges, such as reading and math difficulties. It is about fostering acceptance and nurturing differences in the classroom, training teachers, and involving parents, non-disabled students, and citizens in creating an inclusive environment,' Helali said. Awareness Drive New approaches and developments in autism care were explored and discussed at the conference. Dr Walid Abu Zaid, Professor of Neurosurgery at Sohag University, stressed that while outcomes vary based on age, related conditions, and family involvement, early diagnosis — before the age of three — makes a big difference."I hope advances in genetics, detox, homeopathy, AI, and rehab will make autism more manageable," Prof. Abu Zaid Hussein, Founder and CEO of the Autism MENA Foundation (AMENA), shared her thoughts on autism advocacy, stressing the importance of inclusion and awareness."Autism is a newer buzzword, but we need more acceptance and understanding. Conferences like this are vital for raising awareness and creating a platform for collaboration across sectors,' she the conference's significance, Hussein said: "When we come together, we present a unified voice based on shared experiences and research. This makes a stronger case for governments to act. This conference provides a space for families to learn and connect, addressing the confusion parents often face."She called on professionals, organisations, and governments to work together to engage with parents and families. "We need more monitoring to protect families from misleading advice, especially with so many self-proclaimed experts online,' she said.
