07/06/2026

NATIONAL 4 theSun on Sunday JUNE 7, 2026

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Early screening, support vital to address autism

‘Lasting change goes beyond funding’

Ű BY THESUN TEAM

PETALING JAYA: After supporting over 1,100 projects across Malaysia over the past decade, Yayasan Hasanah said funding may help initiate change, but lasting progress depends on much more than financial support alone. The impact-based foundation of Khazanah Nasional Berhad recently unveiled The Hasanah Report 2025, titled The Long Harvest , highlighting lessons learned from 1,134 projects implemented nationwide and the factors that have enabled positive outcomes to endure beyond project timelines. Drawing on a decade of experience working alongside communities, civil society organisations, government agencies, academic institutions and private sector partners, Yayasan Hasanah said sustainable impact is often built on less visible foundations such as trust, strong partnerships, local leadership and adaptability. Supported by funding from the Finance Ministry, the foundation’s initiatives have reached more than 4.01 million individuals across Malaysia. In 2025 alone, Hasanah supported 172 new projects and welcomed 102 new partners. Speaking at the report launch, Yayasan Hasanah trustee and managing director Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki said according to the report, meaningful progress is not always reflected through conventional performance indicators. “Instead, some of the strongest signs of long-term success emerge when communities take ownership of initiatives, local leaders step forward and partnerships continue independently after formal project support has ended. “Funding could help start something. But what helps it endure is often much less visible – trust, relationships, local leadership and the confidence individuals build over time. “Those things rarely appear as a line item in a budget. Yet, they are often what determine whether progress continues.” She added that the foundation’s role extends beyond funding programmes to creating the conditions that allow solutions to grow organically and remain relevant as circumstances change. “The work is not just about supporting programmes. “It is about creating the conditions for progress, building trust, learning alongside communities and partners, and shaping solutions together that could adapt and grow over time.”

SUBANG JAYA: The ages of three to 12 are a critical period for intervention and skill development among children with autism, making early screening and support essential in helping them reach their full potential, according to the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom). Its marketing communications manager Mohd Zakwan Zainal said growing public awareness of autism has led more parents to seek early screening and professional assessments, enabling children to receive support sooner. “Some parents may notice that their child is developing differently but are hesitant to seek help. “We always encourage early screening because it helps identify the child’s needs and allows support to begin as early as possible,” he said during the Taylor’s College World Play Day celebration at the Taylor’s Lakeside Campus yesterday. He emphasised that autism is not a disease that can be cured, but a developmental condition that could be better supported through timely intervention. “With early intervention, we could help children develop communication, social and behavioural skills that support their independence and quality of life.” He also said increased awareness through social media, online resources and parents sharing their experiences has contributed to more families recognising developmental signs and seeking assessments for their children. “Many people are aware of autism today. The next step is acceptance and understanding that every autistic individual is unique and deserves to be included in society,” he said, adding that Nasom currently supports about 500 children annually through various Intervention could help children develop social, behavioural skills: NGO Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Children and volunteers share a joyful moment during an inclusive play experience at the event. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

collaboration with Nasom was aimed at exposing students to inclusive educational practices and helping them better understand how to support children with autism and other special needs. “We wanted our students to think about how to adapt activities and make them more inclusive. Nasom also briefed them on managing children with autism, so it became a learning opportunity for the students as well.” She also said inclusive play provides a natural environment in which children focus on enjoyment rather than differences. “When children are having fun together, they do not see differences and it creates an inclusive environment in which children of different abilities could learn and grow together. “At the same time, our students are trained to recognise signs of sensory overload in children with autism and respond appropriately.” Nurul Iman also encouraged parents to incorporate play-based learning into everyday activities at home. “We want parents to see that learning can happen during everyday activities. “Even something as simple as grocery shopping could be turned into an opportunity for children to practise reading, writing and numeracy skills.”

programmes nationwide. The World Play Day event organised by Taylor’s College in collaboration with Nasom brought together children with and without special needs through a range of inclusive activities. Mohd Zakwan said such programmes help foster understanding among families and the wider community by creating opportunities for meaningful interaction. He added that the activities were designed to encourage communication, social interaction and participation, while allowing children to learn and play together in an inclusive environment. Meanwhile, Taylor’s College Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE) programme director Nurul Iman Arshad said the initiative was intended to demonstrate how role-acting could be a powerful learning tool while fostering inclusion among children of different abilities. She said the annual programme also serves as a hands-on learning opportunity for future educators. “Students learn about role-acting based learning in lectures, but we wanted them to engage with the community and gain hands-on experience working with real children and families.” She added that this year’s

Event helps prospective educators understand special-needs individuals SUBANG JAYA: From role-play grocery shopping to rolling balls by number, the World Play Day event gave students a clearer understanding of how children learn through play in inclusive environments involving children with special needs. Taylor’s College Diploma in Early Childhood Education needs engaged with the activities when given the right support. was, although we had just met.” Another student, Yee Ke En, 19, said she facilitated a “tiny shop” activity in which children picked fruits, counted items and practised basic numeracy skills such as addition and money concepts. special needs successfully complete tasks during the activities. “It made me happy to see them manage the activities well. Some of them can count and complete the tasks independently,” she said, adding that simple gestures such as high-fives made the experience more rewarding. as materials had to be safe, durable and suitable for children. “Such an experience strengthened our commitment to working in early childhood and special needs education in the future.

“When you sit at their level, you realise they are actually making meaning in their play. They have their own way of understanding and they have a lot of potential. “Today is beyond being a celebration – this programme helps children build friendships, confidence and independence, while developing communication skills through interaction with new people.” Sharing a memorable moment during a play-toy session, she said one child left a lasting impression on her after the session. “One child held my hand and kissed it when leaving. It showed how meaningful the interaction

“We want to continue in the field because every child deserves support to reach their potential.” Yee added that the programme helped them realise the importance of patience, adaptability and understanding when working with diverse learners. “Be more inclusive. Every child has potential, you just need to help them discover it.” – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

“We let them go around, pick fruits and count them. It helps them learn numbers and daily life skills such as grocery shopping.” She added that working with children with special needs required more patience and simpler instructions. “You need step-by-step guidance because some children may find it difficult to focus for long instructions.” She also said they were encouraged to see children with

Yee added that the experience also allowed children to socialise and follow instructions in a structured but fun environment. “Because they don’t know us, it’s a good opportunity for them to interact with others and build communication skills with strangers.” Both students said preparing the activities was time-consuming,

student Hasiba Saada, 20, said she was inspired by the idea that every child is unique and that early childhood education plays a key role in shaping their development. “I enjoy working with children, and I believe they learn best through play in a fun and engaging way.” She also said she was surprised by how children with special