The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is 36 per year since 2011.
However, the number has increased to nearly 300 children last year – a 600 per cent increase, Head of Child Development Centre (CDC) at the Ministry of Health (MoH) Dr Hajah Mawarni binti Haji Abdul Hamid said.
She said this during a visit by Ambassador of Thailand to Brunei Darussalam Boosara Kanchanalai with members of the Thai community and a delegation from BNH Hospital, Thailand to the CDC.
The visit was in conjunction with the birth anniversary of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, National Day of Thailand and Thailand’s Father’s Day.
Dr Hajah Mawarni also said, “About 16 to 20 per cent of all children will have different disabilities of varying severity. In Brunei, this translates to approximately 25,700 up to the age of 19 where most are mild to moderate disabilities. Out of these, five to 10 per cent will have severe disability and half have a profound disability conditions.”
She said the benefits of early identification and early intervention include effecting developmental change while the nervous system is still malleable and responsive.
Many causes of delay maybe treated with satisfactory results, if detected early preventing further damage. It also allows family members to tell that they are doing all they can to assist the child, Dr Hajah Mawarni said.
She explained, “CDC is a treatment centre where specialists and specialised help is available for children of all ages and their families. Children are referred to a CDC when parents or professionals have concerns about their development.”
Dr Hajah Mawarni added, “CDC was established in 1999 and since 2010, 7,493 children have been registered with the centre and from the figure, 6,797 children are still active with their appointments, depending on their specific needs.”
She said the centre uses a holistic approach involving all layers of support for every child including immediate family, child support team, education, welfare and non-governmental organisations.
CDC received contributions from the Thailand Embassy to Brunei Darussalam and Office of Labour Affairs as well as the delegation from BNH Hospital and local businesses Hong Guan (Koon Kee) and Hua Ho Department Store.
BNH Hospital from Bangkok Thailand also presented a contribution of BND1,450 to CDC. It was handed over by BNH Hospital Director Cardiologist Dr Nopparat Panthongwiriyakul to the Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Grade 1 Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital Fuad Wajdi bin Dato Haji Murad.
Earlier, the visitors were welcomed by Fuad Wajdi and Dr Hajah Mawani. – James Kon
