LETTERS: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results in differences in social communication and restrictive, repetitive patterns of behaviour.
In Malaysia, data from the Health Ministry in 2014 showed that the prevalence was 1.6 in 1,000.
The number of ASD-diagnosed children in Malaysia has increased by five per cent, from 562 in 2020 to 589 in 2021.
The lifetime cost of education, health and other intervention and service needs for a child with ASD ranges from US$1.4 million to US$2.4 million, depending on the child's severity and prognosis.
There are many factors that make children more likely to develop ASD, such as a history of siblings having autism who were prematurely born, paternal and maternal age of more than 40 years old, parental history of mental health conditions and genetic syndromes associated with autism.
In Malaysia, some ethnic communities believe that having children diagnosed with ASD is associated with mystic beliefs or linked to ancestral past transgressions.
These beliefs have led parents and caregivers to seek spiritual treatment.
Although symptoms of ASD among children are neurologically based, they differ depending on age, language level and cognitive abilities.
About one-quarter of children with ASD have regression in language or social skills, most typically between the ages of 18 and 24 months.
The reason for such a loss is unknown. About 30 per cent of children with ASD will also have an intellectual disability.
Therefore, it is encouraged that developmental surveillance be conducted very early because of the importance of children's critical period for those diagnosed with ASD to begin intervention programmes as early as possible.
When children are diagnosed with ASD, start early treatment and intervention programmes because once they have passed their critical period, it is difficult to foster their independence, skills and learning.
DR TERESA WAI SEE ONG
Air Itam, Penang
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times