Understanding Autism Symptoms and Awareness in Malaysia

Understanding Autism Symptoms and Awareness in Malaysia

When do autism symptoms start to appear in children?

  Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts an individual’s behavior, communication, and social skills. The behavioral symptoms of ASD often appear early in development. Many children show symptoms of autism by 12 months to 18 months of age or earlier.

Symptoms of Autism

    Often, someone with autism may have some degree of communication difficulty affecting social interactions. This may be expressive – they may have problems with speaking, non-verbal communication, eye contact, or making themselves understood; or receptive – finding it difficult to understand other people, in particular reading emotions, subtext, or indirect communication. Many people with autism have a particular love of routine and order, and some find it distressing when these routines are disturbed.

Some early signs of autism include:

  1. Problems with Eye Contact: Children with autism often avoid eye contact.
  2. No Response to Name: Children with autism may not respond when their name is called.
  3. Problems with Joint Attention: This refers to the ability to share focus on something with someone else.
  4. Poor Skills in Pretend Play and Imitation: Pretend play and imitation are important for social development.
  5. Problems with Nonverbal Communication: This can include a lack of facial expressions, body language, or gestures.

    However, it’s important to note that every child is unique and may not show all these signs. Some children may show signs of autism in early infancy, such as reduced eye contact, lack of response to their names, or indifference to caregivers. Other children may develop normally for the first few months or years of life, but then suddenly become withdrawn or aggressive or lose language skills they’ve already acquired.

    Most children with autism are not diagnosed until after age 3, even though healthcare providers can often see developmental problems before that age. Therefore, it’s important to look for these symptoms when a child is as young as possible. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve a child’s development and quality of life.

    Despite the challenges, many individuals with ASD have unique strengths, such as attention to detail, the ability to remember information for long periods, and excellence in math, science, music, or art. With the right support and accommodations, individuals with ASD can lead fulfilling lives.  

Autism Awareness in Malaysia

 In Malaysia, the number of diagnoses for ASD has been rising steadily over the past decade. In 2021, a total of 589 children aged 18 and below were diagnosed with ASD, up five percent from 562 children in 2020. This rise could be attributed to growing awareness of autism and changes to the condition’s diagnostic criteria.

    In Malaysia, efforts are being made to increase awareness and understanding of ASD. This includes educating the public about the disorder, knowing the symptoms, learning about how ASD is diagnosed accurately, and understanding research-based or evidence-based treatment. Acceptance and understanding of individuals with ASD are crucial for them to live a meaningful life.

    In Malaysia, awareness about autism is much lower compared to neighboring countries like Singapore. There is no official registry for the number of individuals diagnosed with autism in Malaysia. A local survey conducted in 2008 revealed that autism affects one in 625 children.

    Many parents are confused about what autism really is, how their child will be diagnosed accurately, and which treatment is the recommended treatment.

Moving Forward

    To increase awareness and understanding of autism in Malaysia, it’s important to educate the public about the disorder. This includes knowing the symptoms, learning about how autism is diagnosed accurately, and understanding research-based or evidence-based treatment.

    Digital resources, especially on the World Wide Web, can provide valuable information about autism. Acceptance and understanding of individuals with autism are crucial for them to live a meaningful life.



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