12/05/2025

MONDAY | MAY 12, 2025

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Journey of raising a special child T HE journey of raising a child with autism is unique – it is filled with joy, challenges and learning experiences. Like I wanted to believe that everything was fine – perhaps he just needed to attend a few sessions. Eventually, I came to the realisation that I must accept the condition for the sake of my son. Acceptance is crucial so that parents and caregivers can seek appropriate interventions and support for the children. experience is unique. Financial constraints may be experienced by parents and caregivers. The costs of therapies and interventions are high. Recognising this struggle, the government introduced initiatives in Budget 2025 that focus on the community of autism. These initiatives can help lessen the burden faced by parents and caregivers. COMMENT by Maslinda Md Yusof “Caring for a child with autism is

individual’s decision-making abilities. For those who want a meaningful retirement, enjoy better health and spend quality time with their grandchildren, it is important not to settle into a comfort zone. Instead, they should make the most of their time by staying physically and mentally active – helping to prevent non-communicable diseases and cognitive decline later in life. Unfortunately, many retirees view physical activity as burdensome or unimportant and remain unmotivated. This lack of motivation is often the greatest barrier to improving their health. As a result, they miss out on the joy that comes from an active lifestyle and the sense of well-being it brings. Before long, frequent visits to the doctor may become a routine part of life. Reports indicate that even adolescents are making unhealthy lifestyle choices, with many experiencing mental health disorders and non-communicable diseases – both of which have become increasingly common. Some have taken up smoking, vaping, alcohol and drug use – dangerous risk factors that can lead to depression, addiction and severe withdrawal symptoms. Recovery from these issues is often long, challenging and costly. My message to both the young and the old is this: join the thousands across the country who participate in organised runs to improve physical and mental well-being. As singer Alanis Morissette once said: “There’s a great empowerment that I get from running, not only from the endorphins... Being a runner, to me, has made being depressed impossible. If ever I’m going through something emotional and just go outside for a run, you can rest assured that I’ll come back with clarity and empowerment.” Dr Tan Eng Bee Kajang teachers. The society is also becoming more aware. I am profoundly grateful to Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten) for providing therapy support for my son. Besides Uniten, many parties are working on various initiatives to support people with disabilities (PwD), and one of them is Universiti Malaya (UM). The university offers a fee reduction scheme for PwD. The support from various parties for the community is truly commendable. Call for inclusivity I am constantly inspired by my son and the community of autism that I decided to embark on my journey in the field of language and disability studies. It is a roller-coaster ride having to balance family, work and study but I am fortunate to have a strong support system – family, friends, colleagues and supervisor Dr Ang Pei Soo, an expert in this field. Let us continue to raise autism awareness and acceptance, and strive for inclusivity as outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2030. To all parents and caregivers who are raising children with autism: you are not alone and you are never alone. MaslindaMd Yusof is a lecturer at the College of Continuing Education, Uniten and a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, UM. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

I HAVE participated in many half marathons (21km) since entering my 60s. Now, in my early 70s, I still run the half marathon at least once every month. Before I returned to running, my last long distance event was over 34 years ago, before I took a long break. Every time I join the thousands of participants in a race, it is heartening to see people of all ages, including families, coming together to exercise. Whether it is a fun run or a long-distance event, everyone reaps the benefits of staying physically active. There are many well-organised runs these days, and the number of participants appears to be increasing year after year. You just have to pick the runs that best suit your physical ability and ensure you can complete the run within the cut-off time. This growing interest reflects a desire for a healthier lifestyle, as people from all walks of life come together, regardless of social status, religious belief or racial background. At these events, you witness unity, harmony and a strong sense of community across all ages. Among the many sports and exercises available, running remains one of the most affordable and effective forms of physical activity. All you need is a good pair of running shoes and you are ready to hit the road – improving your health, boosting self-esteem and confidence, and staying mentally sharp and positive. Crossing the finish line within the cut-off time always brings a deep sense of satisfaction, accomplishment and personal achievement. However, that feeling does not come without effort – it requires consistent training, discipline and a commitment to staying fit and many parents and caregivers, our story started when we noticed differences in the development of our son. He displayed symptoms such as banging his head, making repetitive movements, lining up toys, having limited eye contact and not calling “mama” and “papa”. Some parents and caregivers may be in denial at first, and that was my first response too. Despite that, we started exploring every possible way to support him, such as sending him to therapy sessions. From hospitals, centres to home therapy, we tried almost everything – occupational therapy, speech therapy, early intervention programme and applied behaviour analysis. At the same time, we sent him to kindergarten so he could socialise with neurotypical children. be overwhelming. I vividly recall the day I received a report from his previous therapy centre. “Autism Spectrum Disorder” was written on the report cover. The diagnosis: Accept and act Receiving a diagnosis can LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com

In today’s digital age, information is just at our fingertips. Apart from taking children for routine health check-ups to monitor their development, parents and caregivers can also get information on the condition, symptoms and interventions online. Therefore, if you notice any symptoms, act immediately – seek a doctor’s advice and start the intervention. A typical day for our son – he attends Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi in the morning, followed by sessions at IDEAS Autism Centre in the afternoon and spends the rest of the day with the family. Our son loves music and art. He enjoys playing musical instruments at home and the centre. Despite the joy he brings, we sometimes encounter challenges such as difficulty understanding his needs that can lead to tantrums, preparing meals to accommodate his preferences and managing his sensory sensitivities. It is important to note that children with autism exhibit a wide range of symptoms and each child’s

challenging, yet a strong support system can turn the challenges into manageable phases.

Celebrating wins Celebrating our children’s milestones is rewarding. Despite rarely expressing his emotions, we show ours to him. When he received school awards or participated in school events, we would be the first to support and cheer him on. Why? Because we are together in this. We encourage his participation in activities at school and the centre to build his confidence and let him experience the world. Despite practising a lot for his performances, he often refuses to perform in front of a large audience. But seeing him stand on the stage was a win for us. Support system Caring for a child with autism is challenging, yet a strong support system can turn the challenges into manageable phases. While family serves as our core foundation, we have been blessed with supportive friends, dedicated therapists and compassionate special education

Lace up, embrace running – the best medicine for every generation

Studies show that running three times a week for an average of 17 minutes per session can reduce the risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke by as much as 55%. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

session can reduce the risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke by as much as 55%. Psychologically, the benefits are just as compelling. According to research published in the Psychonomic Bulletin and Review , there is overwhelming evidence that exercise enhances cognitive function and improves blood flow to the brain. Additional findings suggest that running may also boost an

ready for each run. Research supports the benefits of this dedication. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that running just 75 minutes a week can add up to 12 years to a person’s life. Another study shows that running three times a week for an average of 17 minutes per