a day ago
Autistic kids in for a treat
KUALA LUMPUR: Specialised training for the police's mounted unit has been mooted by the nation's top cop to support equine-assisted therapy for children with autism at the Pengaman-PDRM Autism Centre.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, an avid horse rider, said he had witnessed the positive effects of such therapy on children's development and believes the mounted unit can play a meaningful role.
'My intent is for our mounted police officers to undergo special courses in equine-assisted therapy,' he said.
'I've been riding for over a decade and have seen first-hand how this form of therapy benefits children, especially in spurring mental and physical development.'
He shared an anecdote about his orderly's autistic child, who experienced noticeable improvement after just six sessions.
'The child began to understand how to get out of bed properly and use brushes,' he said during his speech at the centre's Autism Day celebration at the Police Training Centre yesterday.
Razarudin also expressed deep appreciation for the centre's teachers and caregivers.
'It's not an easy task. These children are precious and possess special capabilities and potential that must be given constant support, assistance and guidance.
'I believe that with early intervention education provided by the 18 staff members, our 50 students here are not only learning but also building critical skills in communication, self-management and social interaction,' he said.
'We must be a caring community that ensures no autistic child is left behind.'
Meanwhile, Yayasan Pengaman Malaysia deputy chairman Tan Sri Hussin Ismail said the centre had seen significant growth since it opened on Aug 3, 2020.
'From three classrooms and 25 children at the start, we've grown to six classrooms by December 2024, along with a dedicated occupational therapy room,' he said.
'We now run structured early intervention programmes for 50 children, offering morning and afternoon sessions, as well as full-day classes and intensive school-preparation modules.'
The centre is staffed by a team of 18, including a manager, a programme head, officers and assistant intervention officers.
Hussin said Autism Day was not just a celebration but also a reminder of the deeper social responsibility to support and empower autistic children.
'The goal is to build an inclusive society where no one is sidelined. Let us shape a future where children on the spectrum are not marginalised but supported with pride,' said Hussin, calling on the public, educators, caregivers and parents to embrace awareness to better understand and support children with autism.
He also expressed gratitude for the strong support shown by the police force, partner agencies and the wider community, noting that the centre continues to offer quality early intervention services at affordable rates.
Centre head Azura Izham, who is also general manager of Yayasan Pengaman, explained that autism spectrum disorder is a neurological condition that affects communication, behaviour and social interaction, and presents differently in every individual.
'Some need high levels of support while others can function independently or semi-independently,' she said.
While awareness has improved in Malaysia, she said challenges remain in areas such as early diagnosis, access to effective intervention, inclusive education and societal acceptance.
'As educators, parents and members of society, we must establish an environment free of stigma and discrimination.
'The Pengaman-PDRM Autism Centre is built on this principle, that every child has potential, and our role is to guide them to realise it,' said Azura.
The Autism Day celebration also featured engaging activities, including a mock kidnapping rescue demonstration by the Criminal Investigation Department, horseback riding and a safety showcase by the Fire and Rescue Department.
