KUALA LUMPUR: Between 500 and 800 families of Armed Forces personnel are expected to benefit from the Program Cakna Autisme ATM, which will be implemented this year.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that of the total, about 150 to 300 children are expected to undergo early screening tests to detect autism.
"The programme will be carried out in collaboration with Pharmaniaga, a subsidiary of the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT).
“Autism is a condition that affects social interaction, especially among children. During our visits across the country when providing welfare assistance, we found that many children of armed forces personnel are affected by autism.
“We cannot allow our personnel to face these challenges alone, so we believe early intervention is necessary,” he said during the breaking of fast event with members of the media on Wednesday (March 11).
Mohamed Khaled said the programme aims to raise awareness among parents on the early signs of autism while offering voluntary early screening and referral pathways for early intervention, thereby strengthening family support systems.
He added the programme will be implemented in three phases.
"The first phase will focus on awareness and education, followed by the second phase, which involves early screening and professional assessment.
"The third phase will concentrate on referrals and further support for affected families.
“Through this programme, we hope to help ease the burden faced by families with autistic children,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled added that the initiative is in line with the armed forces’ emphasis on the welfare and wellbeing of its personnel.
“Welfare and wellbeing are among the key pillars that we emphasise so that our personnel can focus fully on their duties, knowing that their families and their welfare are being taken care of,” he said.
Among others who attended the event were Armed Forces Chief Jeneral Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman and the military top brass.
