28/06/2025

SATURDAY | JUNE 28, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Challenges of raising special needs children

Malacca first state to introduce lafaz taklik document in Braille MALACCA: Malacca has become the first state in the country to provide the lafaz taklik document in Braille for the visually impaired (PwD) community, as part of efforts to facilitate the process of declaring marriage agreement during solemnisation. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusof said the initiative marks a significant step towards inclusive empowerment in syariah legislation, as it not only allows PwD couples to fully understand their marriage vows, but also reflects the commitment of religious authorities and marriage institutions to ensure justice and inclusivity for all segments of society. “Congratulations to the Malacca Islamic Religious Department for its efforts to support the PwD community by diversifying initiatives that simplify procedures for them to understand and declare taklik through Braille. “This, in turn, serves as an example of how the values of Hijrah can be translated into reform and improvement, bringing religion and Islamic teachings closer to every level of society, regardless of ability or condition.” He was speaking at the state-level Maal Hijrah celebration at Masjid Al-Hakeem, Kampung Tehel on Thursday. Ab Rauf also said the state government has allocated RM86,000 to 12 recipients of the Maal Hijrah awards in recognition of their contributions and service in strengthening the development of the Muslim community in the state. “The recipient of the Abu Bakar As-Siddiq Award received an umrah package worth RM10,000 and RM10,000 in cash, while the other 11 awardees each received a Pakej Kembara Ilmiah worth RM3,000 and RM3,000 in cash.” – Bernama IPOH: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is encouraging motorcycle convoys to act as “mini ambassadors” in promoting domestic tourism ahead of the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026 campaign. The ministry’s Perak director Muhammad Aminuddin Abdul Majid said convoy participants could help highlight local heritage and tourist attractions through the content they create during their journeys. “Through their travels and social media sharing, they become storytellers and cultural ambassadors, helping to spark interest in local destinations and boost the local economy,” he said after flagging off the East Coast Heritage Trail 2025 convoy yesterday. The three-day programme, organised by the Salam Taiping Motorcycle Club, involves over 50 riders from various clubs, and runs until Sunday. It aims to showcase the cultural heritage and unique charm of the East Coast. Programme chairman and club president Mohd Nordin Mohd Yusoff said the 1,185km route covers Perak, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan, with stops including Cherating, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu and Rantau Panjang and Dataran Warisan Taiping. He said the “Ride & Learn” concept combines a passion for motorcycling with educational exposure to local history and culture. – Bernama Bikers can be ambassadors for local tourism

o Spectrum Heroes Care Centre beacon of hope for parents struggling to cope with differently-abled kids

Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: For most parents, raising a child is a journey of joy and discovery. But for mothers like Hardarshan Kaur and Cecily Andrews Fourrier, it is also a path paved with resilience, heartbreak and an extraordinary kind of love. Both are mothers to neurodivergent daughters, and have found a renewed sense of hope at Spectrum Heroes Care Centre, an inclusive learning space that has helped transform their children’s lives and theirs. “I prayed very hard for my second child,” said Hardarshan, 71, a former teacher. “When Shandeep was born, we were overjoyed. But the next day, when the doctor said my child has Down syndrome, my world came crashing down. “We didn’t tell anyone she was different. I couldn’t bring myself to. But my husband was the strong one. He told me, ‘take this as a challenge from God.’” Now 31, Shandeep is thriving and has come out of her shell after attending Spectrum Heroes. “She’s happier now. She washes her own plate and helps younger students at the centre. She’s non-verbal but understands everything. She just chooses not to speak unless necessary,” said Hardarshan with pride. “She paints beautifully. Our staircase wall at home is her ‘wall of fame,’ filled with framed artwork.” Cecily shared a similar story, but one shaped by adoption and advocacy. Her daughter Cassandra, seven, is autistic, non-verbal, developmentally delayed and epileptic. Founded by Dr Malini Kerisnan and Dr Navin Kanvinder in January this year, the early intervention centre offers a holistic approach to supporting children, especially those on the autism spectrum. “From the age of 15, I wondered why neurodiverse kids were always sent to homes. Back then, no one spoke about speech or occupational therapy,” said Malini, who serves as the centre’s principal. “Many were labelled as severe cases when they were actually mild. They just weren’t given the tools to thrive.” Malini and Navin’s journey began in Rawang with the Autism Speaks Care Centre. But with the wisdom and guidance from their spiritual master, GuruMatha Annai Shree Kriyalakshmi Deviyar, Spectrum Heroes was born. Spectrum Heroes sets itself apart by integrating early intervention, speech, occupational and behavioural therapies, neurofeedback, yoga and martial arts into a

Spectrum Heroes Care Centre has helped transform the lives of children who need special care and nurturing. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Another child, Cassandra, seven, was previously dependent on digital devices and prone to tantrums. “She was off the device within three weeks. Now she dances, hums and interacts lovingly with her family,” said Malini. The centre also emphasises the role of nutrition in behavioural development. “One of the first things I do is assess their diet. Sugary and inflammatory foods affect focus and mood. With the right nutrition, we see incredible changes,” she added. To make therapy more accessible, the centre is actively seeking support from external parties. “We’re trying to secure funding and grants from NGOs and government bodies to support B40 families. Right now, the cost of therapy is beyond their pay grade. But therapy shouldn’t be a luxury, it should be a basic right,” said Navin. For more info WhatsApp Spectrum Heroes Care Centre at +60 11-1607 1401. – By DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM were intense. “She has severe separation anxiety. I couldn’t leave her anywhere without her melting down for hours. Even now, she’s obsessed with gadgets. If she doesn’t get her tablet in public, she’ll scream, lie on the floor and people stare. “But she’s improving. She’s expressing more. She’s bonding better with her little sister. I know there’s more progress to come.” Both mothers urge parents of newly diagnosed children to focus on acceptance and early intervention. “You must first accept your child as he is. Only then can you move forward. Don’t hide them. Take them out, let people see them. Family support matters too. My younger daughter helped Shandeep learn toilet training just by example,” said Hardarshan. Their stories are not just about the children, but about the mothers who never gave up, who adapted, fought for inclusion and found beauty in difference.

“Here, we ensure the child receives all the support he needs, holistically. Our WhatsApp line is always open. Parents who have already registered with us can drop by anytime without an appointment. The communication is constant,” said Navin, who is also the centre’s director. However, both founders acknowledge that many children still fall through the cracks in Malaysia’s mainstream education system. “Teachers often don’t understand that some children just need a sensory tool, like a stress ball. Instead, they’re labelled disruptive or problematic. What they really need is empathy and inclusion,” said Malini. The stigma extends beyond classrooms. Malini recalled public outings where neurodivergent children were referred to as cacat (disabled). “We need to shift the mindset. Instead of saying ‘don’t be like that child’, say to your children ‘that child is special.’ It starts with the language we use.” The centre’s work has led to remarkable transformations. Among them is a boy, eight, She was abandoned by her drug addict birth mother, and adopted at the age of one. “Her development is that of a three-year-old. She used to go into sudden bad seizures until she started medication three years ago, and fortunately it’s been under control. And her meltdowns? Her screams could be heard from outside the building,” Cecily recalled. Cecily, an emotional intelligence practitioner and anti-baby dumping advocate, said finding the right intervention centre was an uphill battle. “We tried so many places. Nothing worked. Progress was minimal and the methods weren’t up to standard, until we found Spectrum Heroes. It’s been four months, and the change is unbelievable. “They truly love the children. This place isn’t profit-driven. It’s community-based, affordable and built on passion. I finally feel safe leaving her here.” Cecily said Cassandra’s challenges

Centre offers support for neurodiverse youngsters PETALING JAYA: At Spectrum Heroes Care Centre, children with neurodivergent conditions are not viewed through the lens of diagnosis, but nurtured through understanding, structure and inclusion. single, cohesive weekly plan. There are no add on packages or limited-time sessions. with autism and cerebral palsy. “When he first came, he was non-verbal. Today, he can express emotions, name his favourite foods and interact with his teachers,” said Malini.