Nine Malaysian mums of children with special needs celebrated for their sacrifices

Fatimah (centre), Kiwanis Malaysia patron Puan Sri Datuk Khir Johari (sixth from right), Kiwanis District Governor Eric Low (fifth from right) with the winners. Photos: The Star/Yap Chee Hong

They come from different backgrounds, but nine mothers share a common bond – raising children with special needs and striving to help them achieve their full potential.

Last Sunday (Oct 25), these women were recognised at the Kiwanis Club of Taman Tun Dr Ismail's (TTDI) Anugerah Ibu Kiwanis (AIK) 2026 for their dedication to their children and contributions to the disability community.

They were Ashley Pang Yek Sze, Datin Hasnah Abd Rahman, Katherine Ho Tsui Mee, Joyce Lim Lay Kuan, Naneecharam Muniandy, Elahe Norman, Rajeswari Paramasevam, Thilagavathy Karmegham and Zuraini Anuar.

Zuraini (right) with her daughter, self-taught autistic and neurodivergent acrylic painter Izzati Shahrin.

Their children have conditions including autism, Down syndrome, and learning and developmental difficulties, while one has leukaemia and cancer-related disabilities. Each recipient received RM2,000 and gifts at a ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur. This year, AIK received 20 nominations, with winners selected across different categories, including advocacy for people with disabilities in the community.

Established in 2001, AIK is Kiwanis Club's flagship annual programme, recognising mothers who face the daily challenges of raising children with special needs with resilience and determination.

Under this year's theme, "A Mother’s Touch, A Lifetime of Love," the awards recognise mothers of children with disabilities, as well as mothers who are themselves living with disabilities.

Beyond acknowledging their personal experiences, AIK celebrates women who have transformed their experience into advocacy, support networks and opportunities for other families.

Ho (right) aims to empower Chia with tailored support for future independence in the workforce.

Ho, 58, says receiving the award was a privilege and an opportunity to share her experiences as a mother and advocate.

"Every mother has her own story and sacrifices to share. We each face challenges as mothers of children with special needs, wives and caregivers, while raising a family and supporting our children," says the financial planner from Kepong, Selangor.

In 2013, Ho founded Persatuan Kebajikan Sinar Cahaya Istimewa Kuala Lumpur, a non-profit organisation providing support and vocational training for children and adults with special needs. Her motivation comes from her experience raising her autistic son, Jonathan Chia, 30.

Selfless carers

Caring for children with special needs can be physically and emotionally demanding. Some face behavioural challenges, while children with physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, or those who are bedridden may need help with most aspects of daily life.

Mothers often juggle caregiving with work and family responsibilities, which can take a toll on their well-being.

A 2021 study, "Burnout and Stressor-Related Factors among Caretakers of Children with Chronic Neurological Illness," found that caregivers of children with chronic neurological conditions experienced higher levels of burnout than those caring for typically developing children.

The study, published in the Malaysian Journal Of Paediatrics And Child Health, also reported associations between parental burnout and issues including conflict between couples, thoughts of escape and suicide, child neglect and parental violence.

Despite these challenges, these mothers continue to find ways to improve their children's lives and create opportunities for them.

Naneecharam is a pillar of strength for her children, Abhineya (left) and Arisshvaran.

Trade commissioner Naneecharam, 41, from Klang, Selangor, persevered after her two children, T. Abhineya, eight, and T. Arisshvaran, seven, were diagnosed with autism. The single mother pursued further studies in autism and obtained certification in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to better understand their needs.

"I knew I had to understand my children better to help them thrive. That's why I decided to study special education. Intervention programmes are expensive, and as a single mother, I couldn't afford them all. I felt that by learning more about their conditions, I could better understand their needs and help them develop."

Earlier this year, Abhineya entered the Malaysia Book of Records for solving a 643-piece jigsaw puzzle in an hour. In March, Arisshvaran received the Super Talented Kid online award from the India-based International Book of Records for stacking 120 paper cups into a pyramid featuring the Malaysian flag in under 10 minutes.

Naneecharam also encouraged her daughter to start Abhi Autism Flowers, a small social enterprise selling handmade paper flowers.

A yoga instructor, Naneecharam has organised inclusive activities for autistic children, including yoga and zumba sessions, hikes and jigsaw puzzle challenges.

"This award is a tribute to all mothers who turn their sacrifices into strength and their love into a lifetime of support for their neurodivergent children," she said.

Band Zimi' J, comprising members with high-functioning autism, entertained the audience with a medley of inspiring songs at the event.

Helping the community

Kiwanis Club of TTDI charter president Datuk Fatimah Saad said the platform had recognised mothers whose contributions extended beyond their own families.

"This platform focuses on mothers of children with special needs who have gone beyond being mothers to share their knowledge and experiences, helping others who face similar challenges," she said.

She added their stories reflect the many ways a mother's love can become a force for change.

Every mother deserves recognition for her sacrifices and dedication to her children, says Fatimah.

The awards also aim to encourage knowledge-sharing, raise awareness of disability inclusion and highlight the need for better support for mothers raising children with disabilities, particularly those from low-income households.

The event also saw the official launch of the Kiwanis Club of TTDI Child Development Centre (KCDC), a non-profit initiative, established in April, to provide subsidised therapy for children from low-income families.

The centre currently serves about 12 families and has a waiting list of around 30, including families from Pahang and Negri Sembilan, where affordable, quality therapy can be difficult to access.

Donations raised through AIK 2026 will help fund therapy sessions for children in need, while KCDC hopes to expand its services to other states.