EARLY detection of developmental disorders in young children is of paramount importance as it allows for timely and effective intervention.
One such disorder is autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is often diagnosed in children aged two and above.
Recognising the significance of early detection, the Penang government, School of Educational Studies from Universiti Sains Malaysia and Brainbow (USM) Sdn Bhd – USM’s spin-off company, will be holding a workshop called ‘Autism Early Childhood Education’.
The one-day programme, which will take place at Komca Hall, USM on July 6 from 9am to 6pm, is open to 100 kindergarten, daycare teachers and educators with the expertise required to detect autism in early childhood.
It is learnt that each participant will be required to pay RM20 to cover meals and teaching materials that will be provided on the day of the event.
State Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng said that early intervention is vital in improving developmental outcomes for children with ASD.
“By equipping our kindergarten teachers with the skills to detect autism at an early stage, we can facilitate early intervention services, thereby enhancing language and social skills, and fostering improved long-term outcomes.
“Additionally, this workshop aims to foster inclusive education. Kindergarten teachers hold a significant responsibility in creating inclusive classroom environments.
“By identifying potential signs of autism in their students, these teachers can provide the necessary support and accommodations tailored to each child’s unique needs.
“This inclusive approach ensures the social, emotional, and academic development of all children.
“Collaboration between parents, professionals, and teachers is crucial in supporting children with autism.
“Our workshop aims to strengthen this collaboration by empowering kindergarten teachers to effectively communicate their observations and recommendations to parents.
“This open line of communication ensures that children with autism receive timely support from healthcare professionals and specialists,” Chong Eng said during the press conference in Komtar today.
Meanwhile, Brainbow director Prof Dr Low Hui Min said in 2018, a new programme called ‘Khamdy’ was introduced to support the implementation of inclusion for children with autism.
“Through this programme, parents and teachers get insights to understand and apply strategies that help children with autism in inclusive environments.
“Parents and teachers are introduced to more than 100 strategies to help children with autism communicate and learn effectively at home and in school.
“That is why we are truly excited and looking forward to this upcoming one-day workshop that will be happening at USM.
“We hope to empower as many educators as possible on techniques to address children with autism, mainly tackling and stressing the importance of cultivating early detection practice for appropriate intervention programmes.
“Sincere appreciation must be extended to YB Chong Eng and her office for working closely with us on planning this out, and we hope it will turn out to be a successful event,” Low said.
The state Welfare Department earlier revealed statistics that in 2022, a total of 369 children with autism were registered at kindergartens and schools across the state.
Meanwhile, in 2023, a total of 257 have been registered so far.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar