Early intervention crucial for success of autistic individuals, says Nancy

KUCHING (July 6): Early intervention is crucial to support individuals with autism to achieve success later in life, said federal Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri.

She said there are many successful examples of autistic individuals who managed to make a name for themselves in their respective field of career such as lawyers and film directors.

“There are many cases whereby autistic individuals can still achieve success in their life, particularly with the support of their family,” she said when officiating at the prize giving ceremony of Malaysia Autism Swimming Festival 2024 at Damai Lagoon Resort in Santubong here today.

On that note, Nancy said her ministry aims to continue working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government departments to organise programmes to spread awareness about autism in the community.

She said the ministry also provides training to both parents and other family members on living with autistic children, while promoting better understanding of an individual’s behaviours and emotions diagnosed with autism.

“In general, the society and local community need to learn to understand the behaviours of people with autism, especially when they are experiencing temper tantrums at times,” she said, stressing promoting greater awareness would also be able to reduce discriminations towards such individuals.

On a separate matter, Nancy said over 50 exemplary women have been selected for the Women Icons Awards this year, and each of them will be receiving a grant of RM50,000 to organise programmes related to the women empowerment initiative.

The ministry targets to select 100 women for the awards by the third quarter of this year.