“If a child who supposedly has Asperger’s has been at a centre for several years and is still learning to count from 1 to 20 at ten years old, then it is obviously something else. Asperger’s is a high-functioning type of autism and children diagnosed with this disorder either have intellectual or artistic interest. They do not have speech problems. However, they are literal in speech and understanding.”

“The child in question lacks awareness and as a result displays emotional outbursts. She is unable to stand straight and tends to lean to her left. When she looks at you, she moves her entire head. We later found out that she is visually impaired in one eye and that her peripheral view has been affected. That’s why she turns her entire head.”These are just some of many cases that emphasize the necessity of a professional diagnosis to paint a clearer picture of a child’s emotional or behavioural issues, so that the appropriate intervention methods can be put in place. There is ample evidence out there highlighting how children who receive early and appropriate intervention are more apt to gain essential social skills and see a dramatic difference in their lives.

“Of course, I was overwhelmed initially, but after a while I told myself that the only way is to move forward. We took him to a speech therapist, occupational therapist and behavioural therapist and I brought the diagnosis report each time,” says Dr Sunitha.These therapists would compare their own findings with that of the clinical psychologists’ to come up with an intervention plan to work on their target for the year. The intervention plan put forth specific goals and milestones to achieve while tracking her son’s progress.

Dr Sunitha says, “Yes, paediatricians are doctors who specialise in children, but they may not have the necessary expertise to make an assessment of your child, unless they are a paediatric neurologist or a developmental paediatrician. The person who is qualified and possesses the tools for that are clinical psychologists who will give you a detailed report after a systematic series of tests. A psychiatrist may also prescribe treatment for the child.”Dr Sunitha’s own experience with seeing the positive impact a professional diagnosis had on raising her special needs’ son gave her a unique perspective as she stepped into the leadership role she took on at Taarana just earlier this year.
“In order for us to work with the parents to ensure the child progresses, we first have to find out what the actual diagnosis is. Our teachers are not trained to diagnose, we can only help to work with the child based on an education plan that is developed in accordance with a diagnosis. That’s when I realised it is crucial that we have this webinar for the sake of the children and their development.”Thus began the efforts to put together an online webinar on the topic of the importance of a professional diagnosis to enlighten the parents on how proper early diagnoses can contribute towards building an effective education plan for their special needs’ children. A comprehensive education strategy built around a child’s diagnosis can actually reduce a child’s symptoms. It also has the potential to improve their overall development by helping them to learn new skills that will allow them to be more independent throughout their lives. This in turn may also enrich the bonds between parents and children.

Dr Sunitha shares, “A diagnosis is the first thing that needs to be done in order to truly assist the child. Otherwise, it will be a trial-and-error method, making it harder for the parents and children to move forward. Two parents shared their gratitude for the webinar, saying it was absolutely beneficial and I hope we can keep educating parents in this way.”If you would like to consult a clinical psychologist about your child’s development, below is a list of resources: GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS Hospital Universiti Malaya Website: https://www.ummc.edu.my/ Phone: 03-7949 4422 Email: [email protected] Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Website: https://hctm.ukm.my/ Phone: 03-9145 5555 Email: [email protected] Hospital Universiti Putra Malaysia Website: https://hpupm.upm.edu.my/ Phone: 03-9769 5500 Email: [email protected] PRIVATE CENTRES Serene Psychological Services Website: https://serene.com.my/ Phone: 018-777 2242 Email: [email protected] People Psychological Solutions Website: https://people.my/ Phone: 017-899 2207 Email: [email protected] Mentem Psychological Services Website: https://www.mentem-psy.com.my/ Phone: 03-8025 1009 / 012-366 1090 Email: [email protected] NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS (NGOs) SOLS Health Website: https://www.solshealth.org/ Phone: 018-900 3247 Email: [email protected]