| Izah Azahari |
A TWO-DAY Brunei Autism Seminar organised by Autism Partnership Singapore in partnership with Growing Minds Learning Center (a local autism learning centre) and Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) was held at the multi-purpose hall of UTB starting yesterday.
Some 250 people comprising medical professionals, educators, parents and autistic children attended the event.
UTB Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Dr Hajah Noor Maya binti Haji Md Salleh and other principal officers of UTB were also present.
The workshop is designed to give participants an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and information on its available treatment, drawing on research and current scientific findings to separate facts from myths relating to ASD.
It covers effective steps to help caregivers, educators and parents manage their child’s behaviours and develop their motivation to speak.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Senior Case Supervisor at Autism Partnership Singapore Nurhayati M Ismail facilitated the workshop.
She will cover topics such as Understanding Autism and Current Treatments Available, Behaviour Management, and Developing Spontaneous Language.
At the end of the workshop, complimentary consultation sessions will be provided to the parents.
As disruptive behaviours are common among autistic children, ensuring that an autistic child gets the treatment he needs can be challenging.
Growing Minds Manager Vicky Ong said it is important for parents to identify key indicators or certain peculiar signs of their child’s behaviour, adding that it is crucial to provide early intervention to address these behavioural issues to support their child’s learning development in the long run.
“The centre provides one-on-one personalised education incorporating Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles to teach language, communication, appropriate play skills, as well as self-help and academic skills,” she said.
Autism is the fastest growing disorder in the world, and there is much misinformation surrounding its diagnosis, the most effective treatment for it, and its causes.