With autism rates rising in Malaysia, more understanding is important to educate, understand and support these individuals so that they can lead fulfilling lives. In conjunction with World Autism Awareness Day, Dr Chow Suet Yin, Family Medicine Specialist, explains. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or simply autism, is often misunderstood and mistaken as a learning disorder. Instead, it is a neurodevelopmental disability which can range from mild to severe, and this year, World Autism Awareness Day shines a spotlight on this condition, with the theme “Moving from Surviving to Thriving: Awareness, Acceptance, Appreciation".[1] This theme is particularly moving as children with ASD often face stigma and are easily marginalised. As local data indicates a significant increase, with 589 children diagnosed in 2021 compared to only 99 in 2010[2], it is important that Malaysians learn more about this condition. ‘Autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months and parents’ first concern is of
