Autism Spectrum Disorders in Sarawak: An Overview and Analysis of Educator Awareness, Training, Development Opportunities, and Challenges

ABSTRACT

This research attempts to construct a picture of the current professional situation concerning educators in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) amelioration in Sarawak, Malaysia. Data was collected through interviewing ASD educators from licenced special needs education establishments, then analysed for recurring trends. Findings revealed that although there is a visible need for educators, there appears to be very little in the way of guidelines, recognition, support, and career opportunities for these practitioners. Backing from a literature review suggests that an industry standard in terms of remuneration, certification, and a regulatory body may assist with educator retention and training. However, difficulty in securing opportunities for professional self-improvement in this field has resulted in unique and divergent educator development, demonstrated by a history of self-reliance and adaptability as service providers due to necessity. This study examines the gaps in service for ASD individuals through the experiences of ASD educators in Sarawak. It highlights the distinct need for more research in the field for this locality in order to pinpoint and amend its weaknesses. Further study would be valuable for not only the developing urban areas here, but due to shared cultural aspects, also have implications for rural areas and surrounding developing nations.

KEYWORDS:

• ASD
• autism spectrum disorder
• developing nations
• educator development
• Malaysia
• special needs teacher training

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. ‘Sekolah khas’ means ‘Special school’ in Malay.

2. ‘Taska’ means ‘kindergarten’ in Malay.

3. Permission from the child’s father, a medical doctor, was sought before undertaking this dietary trial.

4. ‘Door gift’ is a local term for ‘party favours’. The centre would have sourced a donation of party favours for packing practice.

5. KFC in Sarawak supplies a small plastic bag with plastic utensils, serviettes, and ketchup packets with food purchases. This centre would have sourced a donation of these items for packing practice.

6. SPM stands for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, a qualification which requires passing a national examination in the fifth and final year of secondary school.