Malaysian Mom’s Intuition Leads to Early Autism Diagnosis, Transforming Family Life
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – A Malaysian mother’s observant nature and proactive research led to an early autism diagnosis for her son, a story highlighting the critical role parental intuition plays in identifying developmental differences in children. Nurul Dhamirah Adam, 31, is sharing her family’s journey to raise awareness and encourage early intervention for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Nurul and her husband, Muhammad Fazli, initially decided against having children.When Nurul discovered she was pregnant in 2017, five months after their wedding, it was an unexpected turn. Despite not initially planning for parenthood, she embraced the pregnancy and welcomed their son, Adam Rizq, in 2018.Two years later, their daughter arrived, and it was during her maternity confinement that Nurul began to notice developmental differences in Adam.
While observing other children his age,Nurul noticed Adam wasn’t speaking. By 18 months, most toddlers begin to utter a few words, but Adam remained silent. This observation prompted her to delve into online research, scouring parenting forums and developmental milestone guides. Her concerns deepened as she learned about the importance of “joint attention” – the ability of a child to share focus with others – a skill Adam didn’t demonstrate.
“I saw other kids around Adam’s age talking,” Nurul explained. “And I thought, why are the other kids talking? He is already 18 months old and he is not even talking at all.”
Driven by her growing worry, Nurul and Fazli completed an online autism screening test. The results were concerning. Adam didn’t respond to his name, lacked joint attention, avoided eye contact, and hadn’t yet mastered skills like jumping. Each unanswered question fueled her intuition: Adam might be autistic.
This early identification allowed the family to seek professional evaluation and begin interventions sooner rather than later. While the journey has presented challenges, Nurul emphasizes the importance of recognizing early signs and trusting maternal instincts.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Growing Concern
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that affects how a person behaves, interacts with others, communicates, and learns. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with ASD.While the exact causes of autism are still being investigated, research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Key Early Signs of Autism (according to the CDC):
Social Dialog Challenges: Difficulty with social interaction, limited eye contact, not responding to their name.
Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors: Repetitive movements (rocking, spinning), insistence on sameness, intense interests in specific topics.
* Speech and Language Delays: Delayed speech development,difficulty understanding social cues.
The Importance of Early Intervention:
Early intervention is crucial for children with ASD. therapies such as applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA),speech therapy,and occupational therapy can significantly improve a child’s development and quality of life. Early diagnosis and intervention can led to better outcomes in communication, social skills, and independence.
nurul Dhamirah Adam’s story serves as a powerful reminder for parents to be vigilant, trust their instincts, and seek professional guidance if they have concerns about their child’s development. Resources like the Autism Speaks website (https://www.autismspeaks.org/) and the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html) offer valuable facts and support for families affected by autism.
