Fadhlina urges parents to screen children early for autism, ADHD and learning difficulties

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek has urged parents in Gua Musang to take their children for early screening programs to detect learning difficulties, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Ministry of Education (MOE) emphasizes the importance of these screening programs in ensuring children receive appropriate intervention and support.

Fadhlina highlighted that conditions like autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and others can be identified through these screening programs. She encouraged parents who notice developmental delays or suspect undiagnosed learning difficulties in their children to seek assessments from ministry-provided specialists. These assessments may include speech therapy and psychological evaluations to evaluate children’s overall development and provide guidance to parents on supporting their children’s learning process.

Fadhlina stressed the government's commitment to free screening services and parental involvement, inviting all parents to participate in these screenings to ensure children continue to receive necessary support. The ministry is also prioritizing literacy and numeracy proficiency among students, with efforts expanded at various levels through interventions and support from teachers and parents, including Orang Asli children to prevent them from falling behind.