KUCHING: Parents and guardians are urged to register their children with autism to provide them with essential early intervention support for their developmental needs.

Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri who made the call, said by registering would make it easier to identify how many professionals are needed to contribute their expertise in teaching children with autism in Sarawak.

“As I mentioned earlier, those registered with us under the OKU category do not represent the total number because many others have yet to register.

“There are still many who have not registered, and we encourage them to register so that we can plan what we want to do, how many teaching staff are needed, and open this space for universities.

“We focus more on providing grants for those who want to carry out activities, as many are already engaged in such efforts,” she added.

She said this when met by the media during Autism Empowerment Weekend held at Borneo Cultures Museum on Saturday.

Through this programme, participants have the chance to learn both the theory and practical skills related to autism, engaging in various activities such as exhibitions hosted by government, private agencies, and NGOs providing support services.

Also present during the event were Clinical Director of Let'z Play Therapy Centre, Erdy Izwan Sohardi, Head of Rehabilitation and Legal Affairs Division at Department of Social Welfare Sarawak, Mohd Ali Taib, Political Secretary at the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, Mohammed Kamaluddin Mohd Effendie, and representative of the main sponsor, Singapore Chicken Rice Corporation, Jenny Chai. -UKASnews