What happens to neurodivergent adults when the parents who have cared for them for decades grow old themselves?
This is an increasingly important question for Malaysian families as the country’s population ages.
Yet long-term planning for neurodivergent individuals is often still centred on childhood intervention rather than the entire lifespan, says the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society (MHAS).
To address this issue, MHAS in collaboration with Oasis Place, is organising a forum involving healthcare professionals, caregivers, advocates, legal practitioners and neurodivergent adults.
MHAS vice-president Dr Wong Teck Wee (pic) said neurodivergence was a lifelong continuum that evolves across the human lifespan that required a shift in focus from acute childhood intervention to sustainable, long-term planning for ageing families.
“At MHAS, we believe that building a truly inclusive society means ensuring neurodivergent individuals receive the dignity, care and robust support networks they need at every single stage of life.”
The Sept 22 forum in Kuala Lumpur will feature a keynote speech by Dr Bill Wong, an occupational therapist and autistic individual, based in the US.
Two panel discussions would explore the practical challenges families face as they navigate the next stage of life, MHAS said.
The discussions would feature perspectives from psychiatry, geriatrics, law, family caregiving, neurodiversity and experience.
Oasis Place founder Dr Choy Sook Kuen said ageing was not something that one should begin to plan for only when a person becomes older.
“It is a lifelong conversation, particularly for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities whose support needs may evolve across the lifespan.
“This pioneering conversation brings together ageing, disability and neurodiversity perspectives, recognising that caring for these individuals must also mean caring for the families, caregivers and healthcare professionals who support them, and ensuring that their own well-being and self-care are not overlooked.”
She said early planning for parents, siblings and other caregivers was equally important, because supporting the supporter is fundamental to ensuring that care remains sustainable, dignified and compassionate across generations.
MHAS said the forum would examine issues including ageing in place, changing care needs, family and caregiver support, legal and probate planning, and the importance of building wider circles of support beyond parents.
The forum would be officiated by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Registration fee is RM100. For details, contact 012-364-6109.
