Latest news with #AutismDay
The Star
14-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Autistic kids in for a treat
KUALA LUMPUR: Specialised training for the police's mounted unit has been mooted by the nation's top cop to support equine-assisted therapy for children with autism at the Pengaman-PDRM Autism Centre. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, an avid horse rider, said he had witnessed the positive effects of such therapy on children's development and believes the mounted unit can play a meaningful role. 'My intent is for our mounted police officers to undergo special courses in equine-assisted therapy,' he said. 'I've been riding for over a decade and have seen first-hand how this form of therapy benefits children, especially in spurring mental and physical development.' He shared an anecdote about his orderly's autistic child, who experienced noticeable improvement after just six sessions. 'The child began to understand how to get out of bed properly and use brushes,' he said during his speech at the centre's Autism Day celebration at the Police Training Centre yesterday. Razarudin also expressed deep appreciation for the centre's teachers and caregivers. 'It's not an easy task. These children are precious and possess special capabilities and potential that must be given constant support, assistance and guidance. 'I believe that with early intervention education provided by the 18 staff members, our 50 students here are not only learning but also building critical skills in communication, self-management and social interaction,' he said. 'We must be a caring community that ensures no autistic child is left behind.' Meanwhile, Yayasan Pengaman Malaysia deputy chairman Tan Sri Hussin Ismail said the centre had seen significant growth since it opened on Aug 3, 2020. 'From three classrooms and 25 children at the start, we've grown to six classrooms by December 2024, along with a dedicated occupational therapy room,' he said. 'We now run structured early intervention programmes for 50 children, offering morning and afternoon sessions, as well as full-day classes and intensive school-preparation modules.' The centre is staffed by a team of 18, including a manager, a programme head, officers and assistant intervention officers. Hussin said Autism Day was not just a celebration but also a reminder of the deeper social responsibility to support and empower autistic children. 'The goal is to build an inclusive society where no one is sidelined. Let us shape a future where children on the spectrum are not marginalised but supported with pride,' said Hussin, calling on the public, educators, caregivers and parents to embrace awareness to better understand and support children with autism. He also expressed gratitude for the strong support shown by the police force, partner agencies and the wider community, noting that the centre continues to offer quality early intervention services at affordable rates. Centre head Azura Izham, who is also general manager of Yayasan Pengaman, explained that autism spectrum disorder is a neurological condition that affects communication, behaviour and social interaction, and presents differently in every individual. 'Some need high levels of support while others can function independently or semi-independently,' she said. While awareness has improved in Malaysia, she said challenges remain in areas such as early diagnosis, access to effective intervention, inclusive education and societal acceptance. 'As educators, parents and members of society, we must establish an environment free of stigma and discrimination. 'The Pengaman-PDRM Autism Centre is built on this principle, that every child has potential, and our role is to guide them to realise it,' said Azura. The Autism Day celebration also featured engaging activities, including a mock kidnapping rescue demonstration by the Criminal Investigation Department, horseback riding and a safety showcase by the Fire and Rescue Department.
The Star
14-06-2025
- General
- The Star
IGP calls for mounted policemen unit to assist children from Pengaman autism centre
KUALA LUMPUR: The Inspector-General of Police has proposed that the police mounted unit receive special training to aid the Pengaman-Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Autism Centre in offering therapeutic exercises for children. Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and avid horse rider, said that he had seen the positive impact of such therapies. "My intentions are for the mounted units to take these special courses for 'ride disabled' (equine-assisted therapy). "I have been a horse rider for more than a decade and I have seen people bringing their children for these exercises and I was told this can spur mental and physical development. Razaruddin said his orderly, who has a child with autism, observed notable improvements after attending six such sessions. "The child is able to understand how to come down the bed properly and how to use brushes," he said in his speech before officiating the centre's Autism Day celebration held at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) on Saturday (June 14). He also paid tribute to the teachers at the centre. "It is not easy at all. We have to appreciate all their efforts here. "Autistic children are precious jewels that have been bestowed special capabilities and potential that must be given constant support, assistance and guidance. "I believe the early intervention education provided here by the 18 staff members will help increase the self-potential of our 50 students here with a learning approach as well as the empowerment of social, communication, and self-management skills. "As a caring community we must be responsible in ensuring our autistic children are not left out," he said.
The Star
14-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Pengaman-PDRM Autism Centre expands, fostering inclusivity
KUALA LUMPUR: The Pengaman-Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Autism Centre has significantly grown since its inception on Aug 3, 2020, according to Tan Sri Hussin Ismail (pic). The deputy chairman of Yayasan Pengaman Malaysia highlighted that the centre initially started with three classrooms and 25 children. "By December 2024, we expanded to six classrooms and introduced a dedicated Occupational Therapy room. "The centre now serves 50 children, offering a structured early intervention programme with both morning and afternoon sessions, as well as full-day classes and intensive school-preparation modules. "The centre employs 18 personnel, including a manager, programme head, officers, and intervention staff," he said during the centre's Autism Day celebration at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) on Saturday (June 14). Hussin emphasized that Autism Day is not merely ceremonial but reflects deeper social responsibility. "Autistic children are a gift — each with their unique light. With love, guidance, and support, we can nurture their potential. "The goal is to build an inclusive society where no one is sidelined," he stated. He called on parents, educators, caregivers, and the public to better understand and support children with autism. "Let us shape a future where children on the spectrum are celebrated with pride," he added, expressing gratitude for the support from the police force, partner agencies, and the community. Hussin thanked entities like the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) and Lembaga Zakat Selangor for their financial aid, which has eased the burden on families and ensured access to essential services. He also acknowledged corporate partners such as Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for their contributions to the centre's growth. Meanwhile, Azura Izham, the centre's head, explained that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects social interaction, communication, and behaviour, with a broad spectrum of presentations. "Awareness is growing, but challenges like limited access to early diagnosis and inclusive education persist," she noted. Azura emphasized the centre's role in creating an environment free of stigma and discrimination, focusing on guiding children to realize their potential. "We must not try to change them. Instead, let us help them become the best version of themselves," she said. The event, officiated by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, included activities such as a kidnapping rescue demonstration by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), horseback riding, and a safety demonstration by the Fire and Rescue Department.
Al Etihad
27-04-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
ECAE's Autism Day event spotlights how inclusive education makes a difference in lives of students on spectrum
27 Apr 2025 16:32 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) hosted the 11th Autism Day Forum on April 24, as part of its initiatives with the Year of Community 2025 and the UAE vision for inclusive as part of Autism Awareness Month, the forum brought together educators, families, and advocates, recognising autism and promoting inclusive practices, as well as connecting people with their it began in 2014, the forum has been the cornerstone of the ECAE's developing supportive educational environment, with the 2025 edition built around an inclusion, engagement, and collaboration opened with a speech by a student with autism from Special Olympics UAE, followed by a keynote address from Dr. May Laith Al Taee, Vice Chancellor of Al Taee said: 'At ECAE, we believe that inclusion is a shared social responsibility that extends beyond schools, classrooms, and institutions. It requires comprehensive collaboration across all segments of society to integrate individuals on the autism spectrum and empower them to take active roles within the community. This vision aligns with the goals of the Year of Community and creating inclusive spaces rooted in the values of cooperation and collective responsibility, ultimately driving progress for all.'Autism Day is a national platform that unifies efforts to raise awareness, improve learning opportunities, and enrich education for all by supporting autistic students in UAE schools, Dr Al Taee forum showcased inclusive education initiatives and successful integration models, creating a platform to share best practices and strengthen the UAE's inclusive education ecosystem that addresses learning challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and than 13 organisations, including Ministry of Education schools and local and international centres, joined the forum, where students of determination showcased innovative projects. Attendees also took part in activities celebrating the achievements of individuals with autism and successful inclusive event seeks to raise public awareness of the situations faced by students with autism. At the same time, it aimed to bring out innovative learning opportunities and teaching strategies for educators in the UAE and the forum, the community 'discussed how to build truly inclusive education—not just shared spaces, but environments that foster a deep sense of belonging', said Dr. Farah El Zein, Assistant Professor of Special and Inclusive Education at Emirates College (ECAE) for Advanced Education. The 11th edition saw stronger involvement from the Ministry of Education (MOE), with a focus on inclusive education for individuals with autism, in line with the UAE's Year of Community."This edition's theme is about building inclusive support systems for people with autism through collaboration and community partnerships, aiming for system-wide transformation—not just isolated efforts," Dr. El Zein a government college, the ECAE integrates inclusion into all its programmes — PGDEs, master's degrees, and training for future and current educators, she said. 'We focus on transforming the education ecosystem through research-informed practice and community engagement."Inclusion, she pointed out, goes beyond 'simply sharing space'. "Real inclusion means creating environments where people of determination feel they belong — socially, emotionally, and academically. It requires lifelong support, from early childhood to independent living, and a united effort from all sectors of society," Dr. El Zein Al Qaissieh, Managing Director at the Speechcare Center and Founder of Stutter UAE — who is among the partners for the event — highlighted the importance of inclusive education 'not only for children on the autism spectrum but also for others with neurological or developmental disorders'.'It promotes equal opportunities, understanding, empathy, and acceptance across schools and communities,' Al Qaissieh said. At Speechcare and with the Stutter community, the mission is to empower children with communication, language, and speech disorders, equipping parents, educators, and employers to create more inclusive environments, she said. These communities also reach out to educational institutions to identify communication disorders and help classrooms become more supportive, while guiding families on addressing challenges without affecting academic or mental wellbeing, Al Qaissieh said."Once we embed inclusive education, workforces, and communities, it becomes the norm, helping each individual reach their full potential," Al Qaissieh concluded. As the Master of Ceremonies for the event, 17-year-old Mohammed Al Balushi, who is on the autism spectrum, shared his message for people with autism: "Express yourself with confidence, because people judge you by the way you present yourself." Year of Community Continue full coverage
Gulf Today
27-04-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
ECAE hosts 11th edition of annual Autism Day Forum
In line with the UAE's leadership vision to promote inclusivity in education and as part of the Year of Community 2025, the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) hosted the 11th edition of its annual Autism Day Forum on April 24. Held during Autism Awareness Month, the forum brought together educators, families, and advocates for educational and social inclusion with an aim to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders and promote inclusive practices that strengthen family and community ties, encourage cooperation, and support integration within the education system. Since its launch in 2014, the annual forum has been an integral part of ECAE's ongoing efforts to involve the UAE community in building a more supportive and inclusive educational environment. The 2025 edition featured in-depth discussions on inclusion, community engagement, and collaboration. It opened with a speech by a student with autism from Special Olympics UAE, followed by a keynote address from Dr May Laith Al Taee, Vice Chancellor of ECAE. Dr Al Taee said: 'At ECAE, we believe that inclusion is a shared social responsibility that extends beyond schools, classrooms, and institutions. It requires comprehensive collaboration across all segments of society to integrate individuals on the autism spectrum and empower them to take active roles within the community. This vision aligns with the goals of the Year of Community and creating inclusive spaces rooted in the values of cooperation and collective responsibility, ultimately driving progress for all.' Dr Al Taee highlighted that Autism Day is recognised as a national platform that unifies educational and community efforts to improve learning opportunities, raise awareness, and enhance the educational capabilities of individuals with autism. Including autistic students in UAE schools enriches the educational experience for all learners. The forum featured a range of innovative activities and initiatives highlighting the importance of inclusive education and presenting successful integration models. The programme included awareness sessions, student-produced videos on inclusion, and a segment focused on different types of inclusive education that addresses learning challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and anxiety. A panel discussion titled Inclusion: From the Classroom to the Community brought together educators and policymakers to offer a comprehensive perspective on inclusion, exploring both its challenges and opportunities. The session included contributions from the Ministry of Education, Hemam for Inclusive Education services – ALAZZA, Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education, and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, along with examples of collaborative models that emphasised the essential role of families, schools, and communities in building an inclusive society. More than 13 organisations and institutions participated in the forum, including the Ministry of Education-affiliated schools, local and international centres, and students of determination, who presented their innovative projects and initiatives. The forum served as a unified platform for sharing experiences and best practices, supporting the advancement of an inclusive educational ecosystem in the UAE. Attendees also participated in interactive activities that celebrated the achievements of individuals with autism and highlighted successful inclusive education practices. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the UAE's commitment to building an educational and social environment that values diversity and recognises the essential role each individual plays in building a sustainable and inclusive future. The Dubai Autism Centre launched its 19th month-long Autism Awareness Campaign on April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day. The campaign features a diverse range of events and activities, including the commemorative illumination of several iconic landmarks in Dubai in blue in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day. Additionally, the campaign will include weekly workshops in schools across the UAE to educate teachers and staff on early detection methods for autism, along with weekly segments on the 'Balsam' show on Noor Dubai TV to raise autism awareness. The Dubai Autism Centre will also offer free early detection and comprehensive assessment sessions for children with autism and developmental disorders.
