As parents age, Malaysia must plan for neurodivergent adults too, says Nancy Shukri

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — Malaysia must plan for neurodivergent adults as their parents and caregivers age, according to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. In her speech at the "The Next Chapter: Planning for Neurodivergent Lives and Ageing Families" forum, Shukri highlighted that while neurodivergent individuals are living longer due to improved healthcare and living conditions, Malaysia is rapidly becoming an aging society.

By 2036, those aged 60 and above are expected to make up 15 per cent of the population. Shukri emphasized that disability planning traditionally focused on early intervention and childhood development but must be expanded to address the long-term needs of neurodivergent adults and their aging caregivers. This, she said, should include specialized care, living arrangements, financial planning, adult support programmes, inclusive environments, and social integration.