Leng (left), Nursuriati (third from left) and Lim (to her left) showing their colourful handprints as part of the campaign’s launch at TAR UMT in Tanjung Bungah. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
Nasom says growing number of cases in Malaysia outpace availability of trained teachers
A shortage of trained educators for children with autism has led to long waiting lists for programmes offered by National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom).
Society vice-chairman Dr Nursuriati Jamil said the increasing number of autism cases have made it difficult for Nasom to accommodate all applicants.
“We currently have 500 members enrolled nationwide, with 21 registered in Penang,” she said of Nasom’s services that comprise early intervention programmes for children aged four to 11, pre-vocational training for those aged 12 to 14, and vocational programmes for individuals aged 14 and above.
However, unlike conventional classrooms, she said, the organisation could only assign two to three students per tutor.
“The high cost of operations and shortage of trained educators have limited our ability to offer broader support.
“Yet, there is a growing number of children diagnosed with autism, likely due to greater awareness,” said Nursuriati.
While public universities had units supporting students with physical and learning disabilities, she said many private institutions lacked such support or offered them at a high cost.
“There are always opportunities for students with autism to learn, provided there is support from trained staff and academics on their social and behavioural issues.”
She said social issues were usually the main hindrance for those with autism in making friends.
“Support from peers would be crucial for them to cope with life in colleges and universities,” said Nursuriati after launching the “Colour the World with Kindness” campaign at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) Penang branch in Tanjung Bungah.
Organised by Bachelor of Public Relations students, the two-day event aimed to promote empathy, inclusion and a deeper understanding of autism.
TAR UMT Penang deputy branch head Dr Lim Thean Pheng said every individual, regardless of their differences, had the opportunity to thrive and be valued.
“Individuals with autism possess unique attributes and perspectives that enhance the richness of our communities, but encounter challenges that are not fully understood by many.
“It is incumbent upon us all to deepen our understanding and engage in meaningful dialogue with them to create a more inclusive society,” said Lim.
Campaign director Kenneth Leng Joe Sern said the event included educational talks, workshops, movie sessions, performances and fundraising.
“Autism is often misunderstood and children on the autism spectrum are frequently overlooked or misjudged,” he said.
“We hope to create a space where their differences are embraced and foster empathy through increase in awareness.”
