THERE are over 40,000 children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) nationwide who are receiving special education, says Fadhlina Sidek (pic).
The Education Minister said currently, 44,211 students with autism and ADHD are receiving education in schools under the ministry.
“Of this, 32,642 students are autistic while 9,569 have ADHD,” she said in a written reply to Datuk Alias Razak (PN-Kuala Nerus) in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Fadhlina said 3,744 of them are now undergoing inclusive mainstream learning through the ministry’s education programme.
Under the programme, she said these special needs students are placed in mainstream classes with other students.
“It will provide a positive impact to ensure these students receive the same rights and education without restrictions.
“This allows them to familiarise themselves while improving their skills and self-confidence,” she added.
Fadhlina said the programme also helps to create better awareness and acceptance among students and the community.
The minister also said they are constantly taking steps to improve and provide the necessary needs for all categories of special needs students.
Among them, she said, are improved access and mobility, including providing at least four basic elements in schools: ramps, handrails, parking and disabled-friendly toilets, while improving special classes and special needs services centres.
Currently, Fadhlina said the ministry is preparing the Education Development Plan 2026-2035 and gathering feedback from stakeholders.
She said the plan also includes matters related to special needs education.
The goal, she added, is to end all forms of discrimination in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational skills training for special needs students under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4.
