Parents of children with autism in Langkawi can breathe a sigh of relief when a special school to be run by the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) opens on the island in December.

Nasom chairperson Felina Feisol said the absence of an autism-specific learning centre on the island had led to parents sending their children to Alor Setar and other places on the mainland.

She said Nasom, after looking at various sites on the island, had decided on a three-storey shoplot in Taman Seri Diamond to run the school, which was in line with its objectives and plans.

The school will offer early intervention and vocational programmes while the number of teachers will be determined based on the enrolment, she told Bernama here today.

She had earlier briefed parents of children with autism at a hotel in the island’s capital of Kuah.

The event was also attended by Shukor Bahari, the personal representative of Langkawi MP Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and Ayer Hangat assemblyperson Juhari Bulat.

Meanwhile, Nasom’s Langkawi Parents Association representative Mastura Abdul Mutalib said 54 children with autism had been registered with the association's local chapter upon learning that a special school would be opening on the island.

She said the association was also confident that the number of registrations would increase as they continue to make announcements and inform the local community.

"Currently there is no special school for autism on the island. Therapy is carried out at the hospital here once every three months.

“If a Nasom school is opened here, parents can send children to the special school which can change their behaviour and also their capabilities," said Mastura, who now sends her seven-year-old son to the Nasom Titiwangsa centre in Kuala Lumpur.

- Bernama