KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 — The number of registered autism therapists in the country is still low, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that to date, there are 498 speech and language therapists and 2,473 occupational therapists registered with the Health Ministry.
Efforts to increase the number of autism therapy professionals require a holistic approach to ecosystem development, involving cooperation between the government and other stakeholders.
“A broader ecosystem needs to be developed immediately. Furthermore, the ministry is developing a module for the care and support of autistic children, which will be launched on the Children’s Day celebration.
“The role of regulatory bodies overseeing the practices of autism therapists can also be expanded to improve the quality of care and strengthen public trust in this profession,” she said.
Nancy was responding to Kuala Nerus MP Datuk Dr Alias Razak's supplementary question on the shortage of autism therapists during the question and answer session.
Earlier, she said the ratio of registered disabled persons with autism to autism centres under the Social Welfare Department or other governmental bodies is inadequate.
Nevertheless, the ministry is addressing this gap through the Community-Based Rehabilitation Programme (PDK), with 573 centres operating nationwide.
“As of September, 19,907 disabled persons are benefiting from PDK services, and the government has provided assistance to alleviate the operating costs of these centres, including a RM300 monthly allowance for OKU trainees.
“In 2024 alone, as of September, a total of RM137.4 million in financial assistance has been channelled for the benefit of all PDK centres across the country,” she said in response to Dr Alias’s original question about efforts to increase the number of autism centres and provide assistance or incentives to private operators.
— Bernama
