#HEALTH: Managing neurodivergent individuals in an ageing society
WHAT happens to neurodivergent adults when the parents who have cared for them for decades grow old themselves?
As Malaysia's population ages, planning for neurodivergent individuals throughout their entire lifespan is becoming increasingly crucial. The Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society (MHAS), in partnership with Oasis Place, will host a forum titled "The Next Chapter: Planning for Neurodivergent Lives and Ageing Families" to address this issue.
Dr Wong Teck Wee, MHAS vice-president, emphasizes that neurodivergence is a lifelong continuum and that society must shift its focus from childhood intervention to long-term planning. The forum will feature a keynote speech by Dr Bill Wong, an occupational therapist and autistic individual, who will discuss "Ageing Through a Neuroaffirmative Lens".
Two panel discussions will delve into practical challenges faced by families, including "When Parents Age Too: Who Plans for Whom?" and "Ageing at Home: Building Your Circle of Support". Speakers include experts in child and adolescent psychiatry, neurodiversity advocacy, family law, and individuals who identify as neurodivergent.
Founder of Oasis Place, Dr Choy Sook Kuen, stresses that ageing should be a lifelong conversation, particularly for neurodivergent individuals and those with disabilities whose support needs may change over time. The forum will explore topics such as ageing in place, evolving care needs, caregiver support, legal and probate planning, and building wider support networks. The event will take place on September 22 at Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
