Child Development Centre commits to early detection for early intervention.
In a world where information flows freely through social media channels, parental awareness regarding child development has reached new heights.
A seasoned Senior Occupational Therapist at the Kiarong Child Development Centre (CDC) of the Ministry of Health Hajah Neza binti Abdul Rahman with over two decades of experience, reflects on the changing landscape of parental awareness during her tenure.
“About 20 years ago, the prevailing sentiment among parents was one of patience and wait-and-see. Late speech development in children was often accepted as a common occurrence, mirroring the experiences of older siblings,” said Hajah Neza.
However, she breathes a sigh of relief as today’s parents have ushered in a new era of vigilance. Armed with readily available information on platforms like social media, they are keenly attuned to developmental milestones and potential concerns, such as autism and the impact of screen time.
“This global awareness shift has fundamentally altered the way parents engage with their children’s growth,” added the senior occupational therapist.
The CDC, said Hajah Neza, seizes this opportunity to further enhance parental awareness through campaign initiatives such as the recent ‘Ok Kah Anakku?’ (Is my child okay?) campaign that was held at the OneCity Shopping Centre,
Kampong Salambigar.
“While conditions like autism rightfully command attention, the CDC emphasises that there are myriad factors beyond autism that can influence a child’s development.
“By cultivating heightened awareness, the CDC hopes to empower parents to identify and address potential issues at their earliest stages,” said Hajah Neza, adding that early detection is the key to early intervention, offering children a more promising prognosis compared to those who miss out on timely support.
In the quest to unlock each child’s potential, this new age of parental awareness becomes a powerful ally, ensuring that no child’s developmental journey goes unnoticed or unsupported.
The CDC stands as a beacon, guiding parents toward a brighter future for their children through knowledge, awareness and early intervention.
Through the recent campaign, parents also have the opportunity to interact with CDC experts, where they can ask any questions or concerns about their children.
Manning the CDC’s Posters and Information booth during the campaign roadshow, Hajah Neza and her team have a mission to empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools needed to nurture the growth and development of their children, offering a wealth of information about the CDC’s services and invaluable assistance it can provide to children.
For instance, if you’ve ever wondered why your child is a picky eater, Hajah Neza shed light on this concern.
“Often, being selective with food can be more than just a matter of taste – it might be a behavioural issue. Understanding the underlying causes can make a world of difference in helping your child develop healthier eating habits,” explained Hajah Neza.
The senior occupational therapist also said that the topic of screen time has also taken centre stage in an era dominated by screens as parents face the dilemma of whether or not to grant screen time to their children and, if so, how much is
considered safe.
“With our expert insights, the CDC team may be able to offer valuable guidance on striking the right balance to ensure healthy screen habits for your child,” she added.
The booth is also a treasure trove of tips to enhance a child’s speech development and more as parents would be able to find informative leaflets to take home and even activities led by speech therapists for non-verbal children, aimed at encouraging their communication skills.
“New parents aren’t left out either, as there are handy leaflets to guide them on how to engage with their newborns through play.
“Stimulating a child’s development can begin as early as birth. Even though newborns spend most of their time sleeping, the moments when they’re awake are ripe for interaction and bonding,” said Hajah Neza, adding that play becomes a powerful tool for parents to connect with their little ones, and the CDC team is here to help parents make the most of these precious early moments.
While the booth provides a wealth of information, it also serves as a starting point for parents to self-assess their children’s development.
By reading the leaflets provided, parents can gain insights into whether certain traits or behaviours align with their child’s growth.
For parents with children under five years old, Hajah Neza emphasises the importance of visiting maternal-child health (MCH) clinics for referrals to the CDC. Once your child has been assessed by a CDC doctor, they will determine the specific therapy, whether it’s speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, or others, that your child may require.
However, if your child has grown past the MCH clinic age range, there’s no need to worry.
The CDC’s outreach extends to health clinics, ensuring that all children, regardless of their age, have access to the necessary services.
As Hajah Neza wisely advises, it’s better to address any concerns now rather than waiting, as early intervention can make all the difference in a child’s future.
The CDC is here to guide parents every step of the way, ensuring that no child’s potential goes untapped.
Another aspect of the campaign was the promotion of sensory play, and as a vibrant and engaging form of childhood exploration, it goes beyond age barriers to include everyone from infants, toddlers and older.
At the CDC, the sensory play programme is designed with a holistic approach, targeting children with sensory issues – whether they seek sensory stimulation or actively
avoid it.
Occupational Therapist at the CDC Nur ‘Asyiqin Bazilah explains that textures reign supreme in the world of sensory play through activities such as painting, sand play, colouring and the like, children are exposed to a variety of tactile sensations.
“This immersive experience fosters familiarity with textures and helps children better navigate their
daily lives.
“Children with sensory issues, whether they seek or avoid sensory input, can find opportunities for growth within these activities,” explained Nur ‘Asyiqin.
She further noted that sensory play becomes a bridge to the real world, helping children overcome their challenges and expand their horizons.
Take, for instance, the sand play – an adventure in which children dig, explore and discover hidden treasures. This seemingly simple activity is transformed into a puzzle, encouraging children to find animals and match them with their
specific placements.
Beyond fun and games, this activity enhances problem-solving skills, eye coordination, and cognitive development, all within the framework of sensory play.
“Colouring, on the other hand, is not just about creating colourful masterpieces but also an exercise in fine motor skills.
“Children practice precision by staying within the lines of their drawings, refining their motor skills while revelling in the tactile joy of colour,” said Nur ‘Asyiqin. For children who grapple with picky eating habits, sensory play becomes a therapeutic tool. Parents are advised to let their children play with their food, a notion that may raise eyebrows initially.
However, as Nur ‘Asyiqin explained, this strategy helps familiarise children with the texture, smell and appearance of food. Over time, children become more receptive to new foods and develop a willingness to explore culinary frontiers.
“The transformation is not immediate, but with persistence, it yields remarkable results,” she added.
Moreover, babies, often the youngest participants in sensory play, are introduced to a world of textures from the very beginning. Different textured items are gently rubbed on their tiny hands, providing visual and tactile cues.
“It’s something we need to start from a very young age as children, especially those with visual impairment, get anxious when they get exposed to different textures.
“So the main point for this sensory play for these children is to reduce their anxiety towards new textures,” added the occupational Therapist therapist.
Dayangku Nursulastri @ Dayangku Fatimah binti Pengiran Haji Hashim, a mother to an autistic child with attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) said that increasing the presence of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that focus on activities designed for children with autism can have a profoundly positive impact.
“Such initiatives help ensure that these children are not isolated from the broader community and do not feel alone in their journey.
“It is my sincere wish that centres like the CDC can conduct these informative roadshows on a more frequent basis, further extending their reach and support to children with autism and their families.” – Izah Azahari
