Training for doctors, nurses

NST: DOCTORS and nurses in Selangor, Terengganu, Perak, Johor and Sarawak are being trained to identify autistic children.
This follows data collected in 2004 from government hospitals and clinics nationwide which showed that 50 per cent of children diagnosed with autism were below 7.
Health Ministry principal assistant director of public health Dr Aminah Bee Mohd Kassim said the pilot project has been implemented in some government clinics in the five states.
Under the project, doctors and nurses provide a checklist called the "Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers" to parents.
"Parents are required to fill up the checklist of 23 questions so that doctors can ascertain if the child concerned has symptoms of autism."
She said there were plans to implement compulsory health checks at clinics for children who are 18 months old.
Malaysian Paediatric Association president Dr Zulkifli Ismail was positive about the pilot project.
"We do have a shortage of expertise and the ministry’s action is a positive step forward.
"Although there is no cure for autism, it can be managed if detected early."
"The earlier it is detected, the better it is because children can be sent for speech therapy which can help them improve."
National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nascom) executive director Liew Yoon Loy said 14 children from the centre run by the organisation had been enrolled at SK Setapak.
She said this was possible because of the dedication and support the children received from their parents and teachers.