Children Growth: Special Needs Education in Malaysia

August 25, 2021

It's fair to say that no one likes to be excluded from a group. Think back to your own experiences from childhood or adolescence - were you once not invited to a party or left out by a group of friends? 


Well, children feel the same! To be excluded from a social group can bring up feelings of isolation, confusion, loneliness and sadness.


That's why children with special needs often feel left out from the standard schooling system. This is due to their learning problems or disabilities that can make it much more difficult for them to learn as compared to children their age.


This includes problems with schoolwork, communication or behaviour. In this article, we'll explore more about special needs education in Malaysia, its important as well as the various benefits it can offer to children with special needs.




What Is Special Needs Education in Malaysia?


Special needs education refers to a range of specialized education methods that can be provided in different ways and in different settings.


In fact, there’s no “one size fits all” approach to special education. It’s tailored to meet the needs of students with their different needs or learning disabilities.


While special needs education focuses on helping kids with disabilities learn, it doesn’t mean placing these children in a special classroom all day long.


In fact, most special needs education puts emphasis on special needs children to learn in the same classrooms as other children as much as possible. This practice is known as the least restrictive environment (LRE).


Additionally, the services and support for one child may be different from those of another. Special needs education is all about the individual child and giving them the resources they need to make progress in school.




What Are The Benefits Of Special Needs Education in Malaysia?



1. Tailor-made teaching for all learners


All children learn differently. This is a principle of inclusive special needs education in Malaysia. In this environment, teachers weave in specially designed instruction and support that can help children of special needs make progress together with their peers.


These strategies are helpful for all students as teachers often put positive behavioural interventions and supports (PBIS) in place.


Another key teaching strategy is to break students into smaller groups that include children with special needs. When teachers use small groups, they can tailor their teaching to be inclusive of the learning requirements of children with special needs without departing from the learning progress of other children.



2. Special needs education methods make differences less different


Inclusive special needs classrooms are filled with diverse learners, each of whom has strengths and challenges.


This form of inclusion in special needs education in Malaysia can give children a way to talk about how everyone learns in their own way. With that, a child with special needs may find that they have more in common with other kids than they thought!


This can go a long way in helping kids know that differences is just a normal part of life. It can also help kids build and maintain friendships as well as embracing differences as part of life.




Digital Classrooms During Covid-19


Despite special needs education being the best when based in a physical classroom, Covid-19 has changed the way every education centre conducts their lessons! Today, online learning, or even a hybrid physical & online learning model has become the default option, and many providers have done so.


While they’re not exactly ideal as hands-on and differentiated learning is limited when conducting lessons virtually, there are different methods out there that can help overcome some challenges such as struggling with accepting and adjusting to changes, muffled audio, tardiness as well as missing equipments.


Some of the steps we take include:



  • Actively encouraging and tracking positive behaviours


Bolstering positive actions and behaviour and allowing children to be accountable for their conduct is a great way to foster learning.



  • Being clear and concise on the agenda of the day


By being clear on the daily activities before starting class for the day (this includes breaks and transitions), our learners can be mentally prepared to be comfortable and learn as it decreases anxiety, confusion and improves metacognition.



  • Make full use of nonverbal communication


One of the downsides of online learning can be turned into an opportunity. By incorporating a systematic way of using gestures and hand signals, children can increase their focus and convey their understanding of instructions, even as they might not be confident of speaking!



  • Give them plenty of personal time


Every special-needs child needs time and personal pace to be calm when it comes to learning. Hence, we give our students ample time at the start and the end of classes to reflect, share, ask or even mingle among one another virtually. This can build their confidence and encourage interaction & communication!




Choose Well Rehab As Your Trusted Special Needs Education Provider In Malaysia


Ensuring a child's education and learning isn't impaired by their special needs is part of our mission at Well Rehab.


As a leading provider of special needs education in Malaysia, we are the preferred, qualified and certified psychologists in Penang that are trusted nationwide.


For more information about our special needs education classes, therapies or services in Malaysia, you may contact us at +60 12 512 8487 or email wellrehabmanagement@gmail.com.

The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Special Needs Children in Malaysia

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
In Malaysia, the need for specialized care for special needs children is growing, and occupational therapy stands out as a vital service. This therapy helps children with various physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges improve their skills and lead more independent lives. This article explores the numerous benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia, offering insights and success stories to illustrate its impact.  Understanding Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. For special needs children, OT involves helping them perform essential daily activities, improving their physical, sensory, and cognitive skills. Techniques used in occupational therapy can include play therapy, sensory integration, and developmental activities designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills. Benefits for Special Needs Children Enhancing Daily Living Skills Occupational therapists work with children to develop the skills needed for daily living. This can include tasks such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene. By improving these skills, children gain greater independence and confidence. Improving Fine and Gross Motor Skills Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles, such as those in the hands and fingers, while gross motor skills involve larger muscle groups used for activities like walking and jumping. Occupational therapists use targeted exercises and activities to strengthen these skills, enabling children to participate more fully in everyday activities. Boosting Cognitive Functions Occupational therapy also addresses cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help children develop these abilities, which are crucial for academic success and daily living. Success Stories in Malaysia Several families in Malaysia have witnessed significant improvements in their children's abilities through occupational therapy. For instance, a child with autism who struggled with sensory processing and social interactions might, through consistent OT sessions, develop better sensory tolerance and improved social skills. Another example could be a child with cerebral palsy who, with the help of an occupational therapist, gains better control over their movements and becomes more independent in performing daily tasks. Conclusion The benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia are profound and far-reaching. From enhancing daily living skills to improving motor and cognitive functions, occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the lives of special needs children and their families. If you are a parent of a special needs child, consider exploring occupational therapy as a valuable resource for your child's development and independence.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Special Needs Education in Malaysian Schools

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
Special needs education in Malaysia is evolving, with an increasing emphasis on integrating occupational therapy (OT) into the school system. This approach not only supports the educational needs of special needs children but also enhances their overall development. This article delves into how occupational therapy supports special needs education in Malaysian schools, helping both teachers and students achieve better educational outcomes. Integration in Schools Occupational therapy in schools involves the collaboration of occupational therapists with educators to create an inclusive learning environment. Therapists work within the school setting to assess students' needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and implement strategies that support learning and participation in school activities. Support for Teachers and Students Helping Teachers Adapt Lessons One of the critical roles of occupational therapists in schools is to assist teachers in adapting lessons to meet the needs of special needs students. This can involve modifying classroom activities, providing alternative teaching materials, and suggesting strategies to manage sensory and behavioral issues. By making these adjustments, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Providing Students with Coping Strategies Occupational therapists equip students with strategies to cope with classroom challenges. This can include sensory integration techniques to help children manage sensory overload, exercises to improve focus and attention, and tools to enhance fine motor skills required for writing and other tasks. These strategies enable students to participate more fully in classroom activities and improve their academic performance. Programs and Initiatives Several programs and initiatives in Malaysian schools incorporate occupational therapy to support special needs education. These programs often involve multidisciplinary teams working together to address the diverse needs of students. For example, schools may have dedicated sensory rooms designed by occupational therapists to provide a safe and controlled environment for children to manage sensory issues. Additionally, collaborative efforts between therapists and educators ensure that each child's unique needs are met through personalized education plans.  Conclusion Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting special needs education in Malaysian schools. By helping teachers adapt lessons and providing students with coping strategies, occupational therapists contribute to a more inclusive and effective educational environment. The integration of OT into the school system ensures that special needs children receive the support they need to succeed academically and develop essential life skills. For parents and educators, recognizing the value of occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the educational journey of special needs children.

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