SIBU: About 70 children are identified with autism every year in this town, said president of Sibu Autistic Association (SAA), David Ngu.
Speaking at the launching of the World Autism Awareness Day today, Ngu said that the statistics showed that autism could be present everywhere.
“It can be found in your family members, friends, and even your own children. 90 per cent of autistic children are not found unusual by their parents until after two years later. So, the golden treatment period is often missed,” he said.
Hence, Ngu emphasised that creating and promoting the public awareness on autism was very important in the community as to better understand those who are affected by the disability.
As for the world figure, he said statistics had shown that for every 160 kids, there woujld be one autism kid in the world.
“According to National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), 1 per 68 newborn or 9,000 babies are diagnosed as having ASD every year,” he said.
According to the report by the State Welfare Department (JKM), the registered OKU (people with disabilities) are 15,547. And under the category of autism, the figure is 2,584.
However, he believed that there were still a lot of autistic children who were not registered with the government.
“As such, I urge every parent and immediate family member to register their autistic children with JKMS so that the government can assist their children more effectively.
“Do not feel ashamed for letting people know about your children’s condition. Our government is a loving and caring government and willing to help all at all times,” he advised.
Ngu also shared that SAA was started more than 20 years ago with three autistic kids and three trainers.
“Over the years, we have trained around 1,000 kids in Sibu region. Taking care of autistic children is never easy. But SAA here is willing to help all the autistic children through its specific programmes by well-trained qualified trainers,” he said.
Ngu also said that with high figures of ASD in the city, it was very crucial for SAA to expand the current premises so that more autistic children would have the opportunities to receive proper treatment and training as soon as possible.
“Our current premise can only accommodate about 50 kids at one time, which is not very enough to cater more kids although there is high demand in our city currently.
“SAA has looked for the solution all these years. And we are thankful to the Board of Management of Agape Centre by letting us to build a new building block on their land which is just next to the current premises,” he said.
With the new building the agape centre may accommodate around 200 kids at one time.
“We have submitted the application for a support centre for Persons with Autism (SPA) for approval. And we really want to seek Datuk Seri Fatimah’s favour in helping us to discuss with our Premier for a speedy approval,” he said.
