Autism: Great deal of stigma and low awareness

MP SPEAKS | During the parliamentary debate held yesterday, Kapar MP Dr Halimah Ali made a rather peculiar statement regarding how “low-quality food” supposedly causes autism.

She was quoted as saying “As much as I support the Menu Rahmah movement, I don't want the B40 group to be exposed to diseases like cancer, autoimmune diseases, or autism.”

What makes this statement even more puzzling is that Halimah, a doctor who served in Hospital Universiti in Petaling Jaya, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang as well as other government clinics, has decades of service within the government health system under her belt and this positive attribute indicates a wealth of experience and expertise in the field.

Such a statement coming from someone qualified within the medical field certainly raises a lot of questions, but one fact remains - there is a dire need to create more awareness towards autism and understand how we, as a society can help.

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual's social interaction, communication, and behaviour. ASD is a complex and lifelong condition, and its symptoms can range from mild to severe.

While it was once considered a rare disorder, the prevalence of ASD has been increasing over the years. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated about one in 100 children worldwide has autism.

While the exact causes of ASD are not yet fully understood, research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the development of the disorder.

Studies have shown that certain genes may be linked to the risk of developing ASD, and exposure to toxins, infections and other environmental factors during pregnancy may also play a role.

But no, consumption of bad food does not cause autism.

There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that poor diet or bad food causes autism and while good nutrition is important for everyone, including individuals with autism, dietary interventions, such as eliminating certain foods or supplements, may help manage some levels of symptoms exhibited in some individuals.

Increased number of diagnoses

The National Society of Autism Malaysia states that autism and its associated behaviours have been estimated to occur in as many as one in 68 newborns, which means that approximately 9,000 children in Malaysia are born with autism every year.

Additionally, Health Ministry data shows that in the past 10 years, the number of ASD diagnoses has increased significantly. Based on the ministry's 2021 report, 589 children under 18 were diagnosed with ASD, a staggering 500 percent jump from just 99 in 2009.

This is a significant increase from previous years, and experts attribute this rise to improved diagnostic methods and increased awareness of the disorder. Early intervention is crucial in managing autism, as it can improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals with the condition.

Hopefully, the RM1.2 billion allocation pledged last October by former finance minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz can provide some level of assistance - increasing the number of new kindergartens for the disabled can provide special needs children much-needed access to early intervention programmes.

Despite the increasing prevalence of autism, there is still a great deal of stigma and low awareness surrounding the disorder in Malaysia. Many people still hold misconceptions about autism, leading to negative attitudes and discrimination towards individuals with the condition.

This stigma is dangerous because it results in a lack of support and services for people with autism, making it difficult for them to access the resources they need to thrive.

Education and awareness are two other important factors that can help. Public awareness campaigns, community outreach, and increasing training for healthcare providers and educators can help remove the existing social stigma.

Additionally, providing support and resources for families and caregivers can help to reduce the burden of caring for a loved one with autism.

We can no longer deny or continue to ignore the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone, and this includes individuals with autism in Malaysia. - Mkini

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SYERLEENA ABDUL RASHID is Bukit Bendera MP and Seri Delima assemblyperson.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.