by KT Leong
Yayasan Ipoh (YI) hosted a Special Needs Symposium last Saturday, on 27 September, which brought together a diverse group of over 60 participants dedicated to the welfare and development of children with special needs. Held at the YI premises, the event was organised to promote a collaborative and holistic approach, which drew attendees from a broad spectrum of medical, educational and community sectors which included doctors and nurses from the Kementerian Kesihatan (Ministry of Health), paediatric clinic nurses, childcare providers and more, under the symposium’s theme of “Empowering Children, Embracing Differences: Celebrating Abilities.”
The half-day programme was structured to provide comprehensive and in-depth knowledge through six specialised sessions led by expert practitioners. Kicking off the presentations was Ms. Nor Fhadzillah, an Occupational Therapist who detailed strategies for improving children’s functional independence and daily living skills. Mrs. Pavitra Baskeran, a Physiotherapist provided essential knowledge on fostering physical development and enhancing motor skills.
These sessions laid a strong foundation by focusing on the physical and practical aspects of a child’s interaction with their environment.
The symposium continued with a focus on communication and early intervention, which are critical areas for a child’s future success. Mrs. Haslina Abd Halim, the Speech Senior Therapist Assistant, provided crucial insights into communication development and the necessity of early therapeutic intervention. This was complemented by Mrs. Sumathi Annamalai, the Early Interventionist, who offered an overview of the structured Early Intervention Program (EIP) and its long-term benefits for special needs children and their families.
Adding a vital clinical perspective, was Dr. Ravi Kumar, from the Medical Advisory Unit, who delivered a session on the importance of early medical screening and diagnosis. Dr. Ravi Kumar emphasised that timely identification of special needs conditions is crucial for accessing appropriate and effective early intervention services, significantly improving long-term outcomes for the children. This medical focus provided a necessary link between clinical diagnosis and subsequent therapeutic and educational support.
Rounding out the expert sessions was Mrs. Lee Sung Chiak, a Clinical Dietitian from the Dietetic Department of Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB), who addressed the critical topic of Nutrition in Special Needs Development. Her presentation highlighted the unique dietary challenges and nutritional needs of special needs children, offering practical advice to parents and caregivers.
The event concluded with a questions and answers session, allowing participants to directly consult the panel of experts.
