By Diana Abd Wahab
SHAH ALAM, April 2 — The state government has prepared a sizeable allocation to fund support services and intervention programmes for Selangor's autistic children.
State executive councillor for public health Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said one initiative which supports autistic children include the Selangor Special Needs Children's (AnIS) Bantuan Khas Pusat Prasekolah, which encompasses treatment and education costs.
"Another initiative is the establishment of an AnIS centre which provides screening and intervention efforts for autistic children, as well as an AnIS special preschool.
"We also created Tanya AnIS, a support platform for parents with questions about autism and special children. Similarly, the AnIS Academy provides support through workshops and training on knowledge and skills in educating special children," she said in a Facebook post.
The state government also established an Independent Living Support Center (ILSC), to provide career training for special children between the ages of 18 and 22, so these individuals can learn to live and earn for themselves.
Dr Siti Mariah added the initiatives are in conjunction with World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), which falls on April 2 and has been observed since 2008.
"WAAD seeks to increase the world community's awareness concerning autism, a neurological disorder that permanently disrupts the brain and has an effect on the individual's communication, social interactions and behaviour for the rest of his or her life.
Autism can be detected as early as the first three years of a child's age.
"The support of the wider community is crucial in creating a loving state that can provide support to special children, including eliminating stigma and helping when needed," she said.
