Special needs come in different forms. With neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and the likes, it’s not physically visible and usually diagnosed from ages 18 months and above. Physical disabilities may be easier to detect (some at birth); nevertheless, it is crucial to assess for, diagnose and start interventions for neurodivergents as early as possible. As parents, our journey starts with assessment followed by intervention.
We have put together a list of resources to help you get started:
Child Development Specialists
Child Development Specialists assess, diagnose, recommend and monitor suitable interventions. It is a niche specialty with a growing number of specialists. Always call ahead and book appointments. Be prepared for long waiting lists to get an appointment, however, if there are clear signs in your child, do get started on interventions such as Occupational Therapy whilst waiting for the appointment.
Here is a list of Developmental Paediatricians who are in private practice:
1. Dr. Rajini A/P Sarvananthan
Hospital: ParkCity Medical Centre (PMC) and Baby and Beyond Specialist Clinic
2. Dr. Ranjini S Sivanesom
Hospital: Prince Court Medical Centre
3. Dr. Subhashini Jayanath
Hospitals: Universiti Malaysia Specialist Centre (UMSC)
4. Dr. Raja Juanita Raja Lope
Hospital: Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Hospital Pakar Kanak-Kanak UKM
5. Dr Charlotte Jane Joseph
Hospital: KPJ Damansara
6. Dr Cindy Chan Su Huay
Hospital: Sunway Medical Centre
7. Dr Norazlin Binti Kamal Nor
Hospital: Sunway Medical Centre
8. Dr. Jasminder Kaur A/P Amarjit Singh
Hospital: Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur
9. Dr Ong Jun-Jean
Hospital: IMU Healthcare, Kuala Lumpur
10. Dr Lim Boon Chuan
Hospital: Borneo Medical Centre, Sarawak
11. Dr Ching Bih Hwa
Hospital: Regency Specialist Hospital, Johor
The above list is based on the National Specialist Register. For an appointment at government hospitals, a referral letter is required from either a Klinik Kesihatan or any paediatrician. Do be reminded that there are long waitings lists too.
Special Needs Centres
Alternatively, an assessment can be done by a clinical psychologist. It is important to ensure their specialty is in clinical psychology regardless if the focus is on children or general population. Clinical Psychologists are usually attached to centres for special needs. These centres typically provide a combination of Early Intervention Programmes (EIP), occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy, among others.
1. The Mind Faculty
The Mind Faculty is an integrated mental health clinic boasting some 15 practitioners. Services provided include:
- Speech therapy; and
- Psychological assessments
* Psychologists and psychiatrists available
Address: 11, Jalan Solaris 4, Solaris Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 6203 0359 / +603 6203 0733
Email: enquiries@themindfaculty.com
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2. Kidsogenious
Founded in October 2010, Kidsogenius Speech Centre is dedicated to providing professional and caring speech-language therapy for children with various speech and/or language impediments. The centre provides:
- Psychological assessments
- Early Intervention Programme (EIP)
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Social group
*Child psychologist available
Anggun Lumayan, Cheras
Address: 1-18, Anggun Lumayan, Bandar Sri Permaisuri, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +6012 2962868
Email: kidsogenuis.cheras@gmail.com
Kota Damansara
Address: D-02-02, Sunway Nexis, Jalan PJU 5/1, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya
Phone: +6012 6482868
Email: admin@kidsogenius.com
SS 19/5, Subang Jaya
Address: 24, Jalan SS 19/5, SS 19, Subang Jaya, 47500 Subang Jaya.
Phone: +6012 6482868
Email: kidsogenius.subang@gmail.com
3. Oasis Place
Oasia Place is a transdisciplinary centre which provides services and support for neurodivergent conditions up to adulthood. Services range from assessments, psychology services, occupational therapy, speech therapy, music therapy, counselling and ongoing training for practitioners and parents. They also conduct various types of activities and programms such the Malaysia Day Camp, School Holiday Camps, Signposts, Best Buddies and many more.
Address: Level 16 Menara Sentral Vista, 150, Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Tel :+ 603 2276 9111
Fax:+ 603 2276 9112
Mobile: +6010 900 9673
Email: enquiries@oasisplace.com.my
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4. Sapphire Academy (formerly Sapphire Kidz)
Sapphire Academy caters for children (aged 3 to 14 years) with moderate learning difficulties, language developmental delay, global developmental delay, Autism spectrum disorders, Asperger’s, Down’s syndrome, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, ADHD and early learning difficulties. Its services include Early Intervention Programme (EIP), occupational therapy and speech therapy.
Address: 20-2, Jalan Solaris 3, Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +6012 710 8070
5. Pantai Integrated Rehab
Located in Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, the rehab has a paediatric social and play group therapy. They apply an integrated approach combining the necessary therapy required. Services available include speech and language therapy and occupational therapy.
*Child psychologists, psychiatrists and child development paediatricians are available at Pantai Hospital KL.
Address: Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, East Wing, Block A, 2nd Floor, No. 8, Jalan Bukit Pantai, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 2296 0636 / +603 2296 0637
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6. The Energy Source
The Energy Source is a multi-disciplinary centre offering paediatric services as well as group fitness and play classes for children of all abilities. Their services include:
- School readiness programs
- Various therapies such as Occupational Therapy, Feeding Therapy, Physiotherapy, and more
- Learning Support including Dyslexia assessments
- Social Emotional Learning
Address: 2a, Lengkok Abdullah, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpu204, Jalan Limau Manis, Bangsar Park, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +6016 260 8895
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7. WQ Park
WQ Park is a health and rehabilitation centre for children and adults. It provides:
- Early Intervention Programmes (EIP)
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Specialists Clinics
- Child Development Centre
Locations: Kelana Jaya, Bangi, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Johor.
Kelana Jaya
WQ Park Health & Rehabilitation Centre
Lot 2D, Jalan SS 5D/6, Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: +603 7804 4171 / 8171
Bangi
No. 21, Jalan Puteri 2A/1, Bandar Puteri Bangi, Kajang, Selangor
Tel: 03 8922 1346
Kuala Lumpur
Sentul Village, 10, Jln Sentul Pasar, Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 019-300 0195
Johor Bahru
Address: No.11, Jalan Permas 9/17, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Phone: +6019 201 0720
Kuantan
Address: 9, No. A3, Lorong IM 9/1, Mahkota Valley, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang
Phone: +6019 201 0245
Email: hello@wqpark.com.my
Website:
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8. Qamara Therapy
This centre is home to programmes for special needs children up to 18 years old. Programmes include:
- Advanced Learning Program (7 to 12 years old)
- Early Intervention Program (2 to 6 years old)
- Skills Development Program (13 to 18 years old)
- Sensory Therapy and Intervention Program (12 years and below)
- Occupational Therapy Program (2 to 18 years old)
- Academic Program (18 years and below)
Address: Qamara’s Sensory Therapy & Intervention Centre, TSB Sg Buloh Branch (Headquarters), No 67-2 & 65-2, Jalan Nautika AU20/A, Seksyen U20, Pusat Komersial TSB, Shah Alam, Selangor.
Phone: +603 6151 7595
Email: qamarascentre@gmail.com
Click here for other locations.
9. Taarana
Taarana which means ‘Awakening’ in Sanskrit was established as a centre for children with special education needs. Services available include:
- Early Intervention Programme (EIP) (3-5 years old)
- Target Intervention Programme
- Transition Program
- Curriculum & Stragegies
- Communication Programme Models
Address: No. 1, SS3/39, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: +603 7865 7207 / +603 7865 8207
10. Headstart Academy
Early intervention centre for your children with special needs. Headstart Academy was founded by parents to a child with autism. The facilities include spacious classrooms, an occupational therapy gym, therapy rooms, a Snoezelen sensory room and a play dome area, dining and changing room/toilets. Services include:
- Early Intervention Programmes (EIP)
- Speech and language therapy
- Positive behavioural intervention and support
- Occupational therapy
- Extra curricular activity- Gymnastics
- School readiness programme
Shah Alam
Address: Lot 3F-23A & 3F-25, 3rd floor, SACC Mall, Jalan Perbandaran, Shah Alam, Selangor
Phone: +603 5524 1711 / +6012-885 5572
Damansara
Address: Lot No. 3A.07 & 3A.08 Level 3A, Glo Damansara Mall, 699, Jalan Damansara, 60000, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 03 77337321/ +6017 3514022
Ampang
Address: Lot F-03, F-03A, F-05 & F-06, First Floor, G-Village, No. 35 Jalan 1/76,Desa Pandan,55100 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603-92013454
Email: hello@headstart.my
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11. ED Therapy
ED, which stands for Embracing Development, is a fully home-grown Special Needs Intervention Centre. They provide services such as Occupational Therapy, Intensive Therapy, Therapy Through Play, Sensory Play, in addition to Early Intervention Programs and School Readiness Programs.
Address: No 63-1, 63-3, Block F, Zenith Corporate Park, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia 47301
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Non-Government Organisations (NGOs)
1. The National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM)
This NGO was formed in 1987 by parents and professionals to provide support services for individuals with autism. Services provided include:
- Vocational Programmes
- Residential programmes
- Early Intervention Programmes (EIP)
- Mainstreaming programmes
- Pre-vocational programmes
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Therapy programmes
- Transition programmes
- Intensive Intervention Programmes
Address: Pacific Place Commercial Center, B-3-3, Jalan PJU 1A/4, Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya
Phone: +603 7832 1928 / +603 7831 7928
Email: info@nasom.org.my
NASOM One-Stop Centre (Assessment/Diagnosis/General Enquiries on Autism)
25A-5, Setia Avenue, Jalan Setia Prima S U13/S, Section 13, Setia Alam, Shah Alam
Phone: +603 3359 0988
Email: cac@nasom.org.my
Website: http://www.nasom.org.my
Click here for more NASOM centres located across the country.
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2. Dyslexia Malaysia Association
Dyslexia Malaysia Association is an NGO that provides:
- Assessment and diagnosis of dyslexia
- Academic remedial teaching (age 5 and above)
Address: 349, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 4265 1632
3. Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation
This NGO focuses on education for children with Down’s syndrome up to the age of 6. Services include:
- Infant stimulation programme
- Toddler and special education programme
- Support group for parents
National Centre – Petaling Jaya
Address: Yayasan Kiwanis Sindrom Down, Lot 13490 Jalan Jenjarum, Off SS23/1, Taman Sea, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: +603 7803 0179
Fax: +603 7806 4862
Klang
Address: 28, Jalan Kampar, Kawasan 15, 41300 Klang, Selangor
Phone: 03-3358 3900
Johor
Address: 19, Jalan Resak, Taman Majidee, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Phone: 07-333 9336
Melaka
Address: 654, Jalan Pantai Peringgit, 75400 Melaka
Phone: 06-282 4742
Email: info@kdsf.org.my
4. Persatuan Down Syndrome Malaysia (PDSM)
This NGO was formed by a group of parents of children with Down’s syndrome in 2001. Their purpose is to look after the welfare of children with Down’s syndrome and their families. Services offered include:
- Early Intervention Program (EIP)
- Speech therapy and physical therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Infant stimulation programme
- Advance early intervention program
- Daily care
- Vocational workshop
- Information resource centre on Down’s syndrome
Address: JKR 2807 (87), Lingkungan U-Thant, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603 4257 9818
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Please note that this list isn’t exhaustive and details stated might be subject to change. Do email hello@makchic.com if you know of any other centres or support groups.
[This article was first published on 16th April 2019.]
