Recognise their needs, see their potential — Faizanah Abdul Alim Sidique
OCTOBER 22 — Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri’s encouragement for parents to register eligible children as Orang Kura...
On October 22, Malaysian Minister Nancy Shukri encouraged parents to register their neurodivergent children as Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) as early as possible so they can access support and services. This suggestion raises questions about how Malaysia recognizes and treats these children, who may also possess exceptional talents and abilities.
While early registration helps families access assistance, some parents worry that the OKU label could lead to stigma and lowered expectations, particularly from teachers, relatives, and others. A 2021 Malaysian study involving 21 parents revealed this concern, as well as distress and experiences of exclusion. However, hesitating to accept the OKU label doesn't necessarily mean rejecting support; it might imply that others will view the child as incapable.
Recognizing the strengths and needs of neurodivergent children is crucial, as they often excel in certain areas while requiring support in others. Malaysia should review its terminology to avoid stereotyping and ensure support is provided based on individual needs rather than a broad category. The article suggests exploring educational terms like "neurodivergent learners with additional support needs" to better describe the support required without limiting a child's potential.
This approach would preserve access to assistance while preventing misconceptions about a child's capabilities.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
