What Are The Signs That Your Child Has Autism?

December 16, 2020

When it comes to understanding about autism, many Malaysians (especially parents or caretakers of autistic persons) have a hard time explaining what it's like to care for and live with autism. With various misconceptions about autism in Malaysia, it's no surprise that some may have difficulty reaching out for the right intervention.


According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about one in 160 children has autism and the prevalence appears to be on an increasing trend. While there's no official registry indicating the number of people diagnosed with autism in Malaysia, it's estimated that about 8,000 to 9,000 yearly new-borns may have autism.


You see, autism, or autism spectrum disorders (ASD), refers to a broad range of neurodevelopmental conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, speech and non-verbal communication, and repetitive behaviours.


Autistic persons may seem normal in terms of their appearance but they often have a hard time interacting with others, especially those who have little understanding about autism. Ahead, we're sharing all that you need to know about autism.




What is autism?

There is no one type of autism as it's an umbrella term which accounts for several neurodevelopment conditions such as autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).


As it's a spectrum disorder, every autistic person in Malaysia has a different set of strengths and challenges. This means their ways of learning, thinking, and problem-solving can vary from highly skilled to severely challenged.


In some cases, autistic persons can live independently on their own while some may require significant support in performing their daily activities. Moving forward, we'll look at the types of autism and its general meaning.



1.     Asperger's syndrome

Considered to be on the milder end of the autism spectrum disorders, a person with Asperger's syndrome can be brilliant and independent in handling their daily lives. However, they have a much harder time socialising with people.



2.     Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)

This mouthful term of autism is diagnosed among most children who have severe autism than those with Asperger's syndrome but less severe than those with autistic disorder.



3.     Autistic disorder

This older term of autism is more severe than Asperger's syndrome and PDD-NOS. Any person diagnosed with this type of autism may experience similar symptoms as the two but on a more intense level.



4.     Childhood disintegrative disorder

This disorder is among one of the rarest and most severe types of autism. Children diagnosed with this type of autism often develop normally during their childhood. However, as they grow older between the ages of two and four, they lose their various social, language, and mental skills.




Symptoms of autism

Now that you have a general idea about autism and the types of disorders, it's time to identify the symptoms of autism. The most obvious symptoms often involve communication, social skills, and behaviour.


Bear in mind that autism spectrum disorders can look different in different people. Some may display many symptoms while some may have only a few. Also, the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Children who have autism may start showing signs as young as a few months old or develop the symptoms later during their childhood.



1.     Communication

Children with autism rarely talk while some may develop language skills during infancy but lose them later in life. Meanwhile, some children may start talking later in life. If you notice that any of your children have difficulty communicating with you, chances are that they have autism.


The symptoms include:

●      Delayed speech and language skills

●      Speaks in a flat, robotic tone

●      Tends to repeat the same phrase

●      Has problems with certain pronouns

●      Rarely use common gestures (waving or pointing)

●      Inability to stay on topic when talking or answering questions



2.     Social skills

Children with autism often have a hard time interacting with others. They can be brilliant but when it comes to social interactions, they may not have even the slightest idea of befriending another.


If any of your children are on the spectrum, they may show the following symptoms:

●      No response to their name by their first birthday

●      No interest in playing or talking with others

●      Avoids physical or eye contact

●      Dislikes to be comforted when upset

●      Lacks emotional understanding



3.     Behaviour

Children with autism may also act differently or have unusual interests from their peers. This includes:

●      Constant moving

●      Fixations on certain activities or objects

●      Sticks to specific routines

●      Extreme sensitivity to touch, light, and sound

●      Fussy eating habits

●      Lack of coordination, clumsiness

●      Impulsiveness and aggressive behaviour

●      Short attention span


If you think your child displays some symptoms of autism, it's best to visit a doctor who can refer you to the appropriate specialist such as a paediatrician. Note that there's no medical test to diagnose autism spectrum disorders as the causes remain unknown. However, the doctor may initiate the diagnosis with behavioural and developmental evaluation.


Among the treatment for autism spectrum disorders are Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), occupational therapy, pivotal response therapy, relationship development intervention (RDI), speech therapy, and verbal behaviour therapy.


The earlier you identify the symptoms, the more effective the treatment may be on your children. Therefore, you need to be aware of your children's development. Bear in mind that it's not the end of the world if your child has autism.


Well Rehab provides several therapies which can be customised based on your child's needs. For more information about our therapies or services, 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.

Prioritizing Mental Health: A Key to Enhancing Productivity and Profitability in the Workplace

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
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