‘Autistic’ Children Increase Ninefold to Nearly 90,000

KLANG: The number of registered Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) nationwide has increased to 849,775 as of June, compared to 814,966 in the previous year.

More notably, the number of registered autistic children has surged nearly ninefold, from approximately 10,000 in 2015 to 89,000 this year.

Department of Social Welfare (JKM) Director-General, Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan said, this increase shows the need for social support and a collective care approach to ensure the welfare of vulnerable groups continues to be protected.

According to him, this responsibility should not be borne by a single agency alone, but instead requires comprehensive community involvement.

“In addition to the registration of 849,775 PWDs, registered autistic children have increased from approximately 10,000 in 2015 to 89,000 this year.

“Therefore, this responsibility cannot be placed on one agency alone; the community can join forces to help this group,” he said after officiating the Basic Care Seminar for the Elderly and PWDs for the Central Zone here, today.

The seminar gathered more than 500 participants, including caregivers of the elderly and PWDs, staff of Community Rehabilitation Centres (PDK), volunteers and students from higher education institutions (IPTs).

Che Murad added, caregiving challenges are also felt by family members caring for bedridden patients, particularly regarding physical capability, skills and finances.

“Financial assistance provided to caregivers may not necessarily be sufficient, as care costs also involve the purchase of diapers, medications, equipment and special milk.

“Therefore, the welfare approach must also provide training, skills and opportunities that enable them to build more resilient lives,” he said.

Kosmo Online