Raising a child with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) can be frustrating, exhausting and even seem impossible at times. Many parents may be at a loss on how to properly handle their child’s condition, or who to call for help. You may be surrounded by well-meaning people who give unhelpful advice. People who may not actually know what you go through on a daily basis.
The truth is there has never been much institutional support for special needs children. Most pediatric care for developmental disorders remain at the private sector, where services can often be expensive. The need for affordable, accessible special needs support is greater now more than ever with the rise of childhood conditions like ADHD, Down Syndrome, dyslexia and of course, autism. Parents of special needs children are now turning to at-home care to give their kids a fighting chance at a normal life.
The Importance of At-Home Care for Autistic Children
Professional support for autism in Malaysia can be hard to find. Those that exist are either too expensive or too far away. This poses a great ordeal for parents who can’t afford regular treatments, consultations and often even medication. Moreover, regular government-subsidised pediatric care may not cater to special needs children or children with developmental difficulties—aside from recommending outside specialists and expert-approved clinics and healthcare facilities.
So, it’s sometimes inevitable that parents may sometimes have to look for online sources in order to get the best insight on how to treat their children at home. Or at the very least help them catch up on their developmental delays in a conducive, holistic way. While early detection is important, early intervention is just as crucial in order to give your child. At-home care is the last line of defense in ensuring their children grow up to become functioning, valuable members of society. However, most parents do not have the required training or education to plan, organise and supervise the activities and exercises designed to help autistic children cope with their disabilities.
But don’t fret. Thanks to many non-profit organisations and online support groups, special needs parents don’t have to weather the storm on their own anymore. One very successful association that’s currently helping achieve this goal is local special needs education and awareness group: Autism Teaching Aids Malaysia.
Local Autism Support Group Here to the Rescue
Established way back in 2017 with over 15,000 members at present, private Facebook group, Autism Teaching Aids (Malaysia) is definitely making strides in spreading awareness and educating the public on autism. It’s not only a hub for early childcare educators, but also for parents with special needs children. It is both a safe haven and a repository of wisdom where parents can not only find useful and practical knowledge. But also where they can communicate with other parents, exchange information and even expand their social circles. We all need a support system from time to time and being able to share and compare experiences with others is a valuable asset. Here are just some of the resources and support they offer.
Reading Material
An important part of addressing ASD symptoms is planning a set of daily tasks and activities that will help autistic children deal with their condition. Autism facilities will usually have their own curriculum. These activities assist with developing gross and fine motor skills, cognition, memory, speech, language, etc. Essential intellectual functions required for the normal function of everyday life. But because many families can’t afford treatment, they have to plan those remedial activities at home. Luckily for parents, Autism Teaching Aids Malaysia has compiled quite an extensive and comprehensive list of educational texts, parenting guides, printable workbooks and exercises, colouring pages, and other helpful material that they can include in their at-home program. All their reading material can be downloaded here.
Workshops and Announcements
Aside from reading materials the support group also hosts physical workshops. These are open to the public, conducted at selected venues across Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Their guest panels have included neurophysiologists, medical doctors, university professors, child psychiatrists, special education experts and many other specialists in the field. Specialists that provide real, helpful, and practical advice on raising an autistic child. Or any other child with challenging developmental, neurological or learning disorder. They’ve covered numerous topics in the past. This includes how to conduct speech therapy, improving communication, and developing writing skills. While the group hosts its own workshops, members are also welcome to share events from other Facebook groups and community pages.
Infographics and Videos
Some people work best with visual aid than written material, and this includes parents too, not just children. So, if you’re not the kind to read long textbooks and articles, infographics are your best bet. Autism Teaching Aids Malaysia caters to parents who fall into this category. If you’re in the group, just scroll through the media tab. You’ll find hundreds of helpful infographics (and videos) that show you how to best deal with an autistic child. These are usually shared by other parents, reposted from community pages and other Facebook groups. There are also some helpful tips on some simple exercises that parents can use or adapt to stimulate their kids’ mental and physical prowess, as well as some tips on recognising symptoms of autism in children.
A Much-Needed Special Needs Community
Not many people realise the importance of having a community of supporters. Friends and educators when you’re a parent struggling to raise a special needs child. Fewer people know about autism and what it’s actually like to live with the disorder. But autistic children have a much greater chance at flourishing if more awareness is brought to the public. And with groups like Autism Teaching Aids Malaysia, this reality is slowly being fulfilled. Not only are they providing valuable resources to parents, but also a place of comfort and safety. We here at Motherhood are fierce advocates of special needs awareness, and would like to thank Autism Teaching Aids Malaysia for the good work they do in helping spread awareness as well as assisting countless parents in their journey. So if you currently have an autistic child, join this support group. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!