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OT Erdy Izwan, Kuching (2025)

10/04/2025

Autism Dahulu Terpinggir & Di Isolasi

Pada tahun 1943.

Seorang pakar bernama Dr. Leo Kanner mula perasan, ada sesuatu yang unik pada 11 orang anak yang dirujuk ke kliniknya.
Mereka lain. Tapi bukan kerana mereka ‘sakit’. Mereka cuma ada cara yang berbeza untuk berhubung dengan dunia.

Mereka tak bercakap macam biasa.
Mereka lebih tertarik pada objek daripada manusia.
S**a menyendiri dan mengasingkan diri.
Ada yang sangat sensitif sampai bunyi jam berdetik pun buat mereka menangis.

Dr. Kanner menulis satu kertas kerja dan kajian satu permulaan yang membuatkan dunia mula sedar:

“Ini bukan masalah emosi… ini satu kondisi perkembangan. Bukan gila! Bukan Kerasukkan dan kita perlu faham.”

Tapi malangnya, pemahaman tu terlalu lambat sampai kepada masyarakat.

Ramai anak-anak dulu dibesar dengan trauma. Bukan sebab tak disayangi, tapi sebab tak difahami.

Lumrah manusia mereka akan takut dengan apa yang tidak mereka fahami.

Ada yang dihantar ke hospital sakit jiwa.
Ada yang dirawat dengan kejutan elektrik.
Ada yang dibawa jumpa bomoh, dipukul rotan, dilabel kerasukan.
Di letakkan didalam sangkar dilayan umpama binatang.

Bayangkan, anak kecil 5-6 tahun… cuma mahu rasa selamat dalam dunianya sendiri,
tapi dipaksa keluar dari tempat selamat tu.
Dipaksa jadi “normal”.
Dipaksa diam.
Dipaksa ikut cara orang dewasa, walau hati kecilnya masih tak faham kenapa.

Hari ini… kita tahu lebih banyak. Kita nampak dengan lebih jelas. Informasi dihujung jari.Program diagnosis dan intervensi semakin baik.

Tapi cabaran masih belum hilang.

Kalau ada satu perkara yang saya harap semua ibu bapa tahu…

Autism is not new.
Cuma dulu autism adalah sesuatu yang "taboo" luar Dari konteks pemahaman masyarakat kita.

Mungkin dulu ada di antara rakan-rakan atau saudara kita yang autism,tapi tidak pernah mendapat diagnosis,kerana limitasi diagnosis pada ketika itu.

Hari ini kita ada pilihan.
Untuk faham.
Untuk belajar.
Untuk ubah cara kita menyokong anak-anak ini.
Bukan untuk betulkan mereka. Tapi untuk terima mereka, dan bantu mereka berkembang ikut cara mereka sendiri.

Your child is not alone. You are not alone.
Dan kita dalam perjalanan yang sama—untuk buka lebih banyak mata dan hati.

-Uncle D-

22/02/2025

"Let’s Talk About Regression: Why It Happens and How Parents Can Help"

One of the most heartbreaking things a parent can experience is watching their child lose a skill they once had. A child who used to say words suddenly stops talking. A child who could eat independently now refuses to use a spoon. A child who once made eye contact now seems distant.

This is regression, and it’s something that can happen in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other neurodivergent conditions. But why does it happen? And more importantly, how can parents support their child through it?

Why Does Regression Happen?

Regression isn’t just about "forgetting" a skill. It’s often a sign that a child’s brain is overwhelmed or struggling to process something. Some common reasons include:

🧠 Neurological Development: The brain is still developing, and sometimes certain skills take a step back before progressing again.

😞 Stress & Anxiety: Big life changes—starting school, moving to a new environment, or even a shift in routine—can be overwhelming, leading the child to retreat to familiar behaviors.

🦻 Sensory Overload: Too much sensory input (noise, lights, crowds) can cause withdrawal and loss of learned skills.

🩺 Medical Issues: Sleep disturbances, gut issues, or undiagnosed health problems can affect behavior and learning.

💙 Emotional Trauma: If a child experiences something stressful or upsetting, they may shut down certain skills as a way to cope.

What Can Parents Do?

Regression can feel scary, but it doesn’t mean your child is losing progress forever. With the right support, many children regain and even strengthen their lost skills. Here’s how parents can help:

✅ Stay Calm & Observe: Instead of panicking, try to identify what might have triggered the regression. Any recent changes? Any new stressors?

✅ Provide a Safe & Predictable Environment: Stability and routine help neurodivergent children feel secure, which can encourage skill recovery.

✅ Go Back to Basics: If a child loses a skill, gently reintroduce it at their comfort level. If they stop using words, focus on alternative communication methods like visuals or sign language.

✅ Prioritize Emotional Connection: Sometimes, a child just needs more emotional support. Spend quality time together, offer comfort, and let them know they are safe.

✅ Work with Therapists: If the regression is significant or prolonged, reaching out to an occupational therapist, speech therapist, or psychologist can provide tailored support.

✅ Support Yourself Too: Watching your child regress can be emotionally draining. Find a support system—whether it’s a therapist, a parenting group, or a friend who understands.

Regression Is Not the End—It’s a Detour

Many children bounce back from regression with the right support. Think of it as their brain taking a break to reorganize itself. Your love, patience, and understanding make all the difference in their journey.

So if you’re going through this right now—take a deep breath. You are not alone, and neither is your child.

18/02/2025

“Inclusivity Starts with Us”

I remember last year, during the Merdeka celebration, I was invited by Kuppa Kuppi to speak about inclusivity. It was a moment that truly made me reflect—what does inclusivity really mean, and how do we bring it to life, especially for children with autism and their families?

Inclusivity isn’t just about policies or programs. It’s about attitudes, actions, and everyday choices. It starts with how we see and treat each other. For children with autism, inclusivity means being accepted as they are, without being forced to fit into a world that isn’t built for them. It means understanding that their way of communicating, learning, and experiencing the world is different, not wrong.

But inclusivity doesn’t stop with the child—it extends to the entire family. Many parents raising children with autism face judgment, isolation, and exhaustion. Imagine how different their journey would be if society embraced their child instead of questioning their parenting.

So, how can we make inclusivity real?

• Listen and learn – Before making assumptions, let’s take the time to understand autism and the experiences of families raising autistic children.
• Create safe spaces – Whether at school, playgrounds, or community events, let’s make sure children with autism have environments where they feel safe and included.
• Be patient and kind – A meltdown isn’t a tantrum, and a child who doesn’t respond to you isn’t ignoring you. Respect their needs.
• Support the parents – A simple, “You’re doing great,” can mean the world to a parent who often feels alone in their journey.

Inclusivity starts with us.Let’s build a world where every child, regardless of ability, has a place to belong.

17/02/2025

"Bad Behavior or a Cry for Help?"

This morning, I received a whatapps from a mother.

📩 “Mr. Erdy, I don’t know what to do. It’s my son’s first day of school, and he’s crying, refusing to cooperate, and even threw a chair! I’m so embarrassed. Why is he behaving like this?”

I could feel her frustration and worry through the text. Parents often see big emotions—meltdowns, tantrums, aggression—as "bad behavior." But as a therapist, I see something else.

So I asked her:

"What changed for him today?"

She paused. “Well… it’s his first time in a new classroom, with new teachers and new kids.”

"Exactly," I said. "He’s not being ‘bad’—he’s overwhelmed.

He doesn’t have the words to say, ‘I’m scared’ or ‘I don’t feel safe,’ so he’s showing it the only way he knows how.”

For many neurodivergent children, especially those with autism or sensory challenges, behavior is communication.

🚨 Crying? Maybe the classroom is too noisy, and he feels overstimulated.
🚨 Not cooperating? Maybe he doesn’t understand the new routine and feels lost.
🚨 Throwing a chair? Maybe he’s feeling trapped and doesn’t know how to express it.

When we shift our mindset from “Why is he behaving this way?” to “What is he trying to tell me?”—everything changes.

I reassured the mother:

"Your son is not ‘naughty.’ He’s struggling. And when a child is struggling, they don’t need punishment—they need support. Let’s help him feel safe first, and the behavior will settle.”

👩‍🦰 “I never saw it that way. I was so worried about his behavior, I forgot to see what he was feeling.”

And that’s the key. Behind every ‘bad behavior’ is a child trying to tell us something.

If we listen closely, we can help them navigate their world in a way that feels safe and understood.

16/02/2025

"Let’s Talk About Burnout"

During my parents' workshop at Autism Empowerment Weekend last June 2024, a mother raised her hand hesitantly. Her voice was steady, but I could hear the exhaustion beneath it.

👩‍🦰 “I love my child more than anything… but I’m so tired. I feel like I’m constantly on alert, managing meltdowns, therapies, routines—there’s never a break. And when I do take time for myself, I feel guilty. How do I stop feeling like this?”

The room fell silent. I looked around and saw many parents nodding, eyes filled with quiet understanding.

"I hear you," I said gently. "And I want you to know this—burnout doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’ve been carrying too much, for too long, without enough rest.”

She sighed. “But if I don’t do it, who will?”

"I know it feels that way," I replied, "but let me ask you—if you keep running on empty, how will you keep going? Your child needs you, but they also need you to be okay."

Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s when:

💔 You start feeling disconnected from your child.
💔 Small things make you lose patience faster.
💔 You don’t even know what makes you happy anymore.

So, to every parent who has ever felt this way, I want you to remember:

💙 You deserve rest. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s how you keep showing up for your child.

💙 It’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to do this alone. Build a support system, whether it’s family, friends, or other parents who understand.

💙 You are more than just a caregiver. You are still YOU, and your well-being matters.

At the end of the session, that same mother came up to me. Her eyes weren’t as heavy anymore.

👩‍🦰 “I think I forgot that I’m allowed to rest,” she admitted.

"You are," I smiled. "And your child will be okay. Because when you take care of yourself, you’re also taking care of them."

If you’re reading this and feeling that same exhaustion, please—take a deep breath.

Take a break when you need it. You are doing your best, and that is enough.

16/02/2025

"Is My Child’s Therapy Really Working?"

Yesterday, during a therapy session, a mother let out a deep sigh as she watched her daughter play. I could see the exhaustion in her eyes, the silent questions she had been carrying. Finally, she spoke.

👩‍🦰 “Mr Erdy, I don’t know… I feel like nothing is changing. We’ve been coming for months, but she’s still not talking. She still has meltdowns over the smallest things. Sometimes, I wonder if all of this is even working.”

I let her words settle for a moment. I knew how much she longed for progress—clear, undeniable proof that all the therapy sessions, home practices, and late-night worries were worth it.

"I hear you," I said gently. "But let’s look back—one month ago, what was something she couldn’t do, but now she can?"

She thought for a while.

👩‍🦰 “Hmm… Well, before, she refused to sit at the dinner table. She would scream and run away. Now, she still struggles, but she sits for a few minutes before getting up.”

"That’s progress," I smiled.

👩‍🦰 “But she’s still not talking.”

"Not yet," I nodded, "but have you noticed how she now points to things she wants? A month ago, she would just cry. Now, she’s showing you what she needs."

Her face softened. She hadn’t thought of that.

"Therapy isn’t always about big, dramatic changes," I continued. "It’s about small wins. A little less frustration. A little more connection. A step toward independence. Those steps add up."

She exhaled, this time in relief.

👩‍🦰 “So, even if it’s slow, it means we’re moving forward?”

"Exactly," I reassured her. "And one day, you’ll look back and realize just how far she’s come."

To all the parents wondering if therapy is making a difference—it is.

The progress may not always be obvious, but it’s happening in the small moments. Keep going. Keep believing. Your child is moving forward in their own time.

15/02/2025

"What Parents of Special Needs Children Wish More People Knew"

As a pediatric occupational therapist, I have had the privilege of working with so many incredible children—and behind every child, there’s a parent navigating a journey that most people don’t see. Over the years, parents have shared their hearts with me—their struggles, their victories, their fears. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:

💙 They don’t want pity—they want understanding.

Many parents have told me they’re tired of hearing, “I don’t know how you do it” or “That must be so hard.” Yes, it can be challenging, but they don’t see their child as a burden. What they want is for people to see their child’s strengths, not just their diagnosis.

💙 Progress looks different for every child.

I remember a mother who cried tears of joy because her child finally pointed to what he wanted—after months of therapy. Another parent celebrated their child tolerating the texture of rice for the first time. These are the victories that might seem small to others but mean everything to these families.

💙 Unsolicited advice can be exhausting.

“So have you tried this new diet?” “Maybe you should discipline him more.” “He’ll grow out of it.” Parents have heard it all. They aren’t looking for quick fixes—they need support, not judgment. What helps most is a listening ear and genuine kindness.

💙 Inclusion matters.

One parent once told me, “I just wish kids would invite my son to play.” The reality is, many special needs children experience loneliness, not because they don’t want friends, but because others don’t know how to engage with them. A little patience and a welcoming heart can make a world of difference.

💙 Their love is fierce and unwavering.

At the core of it all, every parent I’ve met loves their child unconditionally. Yes, there are sleepless nights, therapy appointments, and moments of frustration—but there is also joy, pride, and an unbreakable bond.

If you know a parent raising a child with special needs, offer them kindness. If you see a child struggling in public, don’t stare—smile. If you have the opportunity to make a child feel included, do it.

And to all the parents who have trusted me to be part of their journey—I see you.I hear you.

15/02/2025

"Things I Used to Do as a Pediatric OT (But Don’t Anymore)"

When I first started as a pediatric occupational therapist, I thought I had it all figured out. I followed the textbook, stuck to standardized techniques, and believed that progress had a clear, predictable path. But over the years, the children I worked with taught me so much more than any course ever could.

Here are some things I used to do—things I thought were “right”—but have since let go of:

✨ 1. Packing Sessions with Too Many Activities

I used to plan therapy sessions like a marathon—one activity after another, thinking more was better. But I quickly realized that overwhelming a child doesn’t equal progress. Now, I focus on fewer but more meaningful activities, and it has made all the difference.

👀 2. Encouraging Eye Contact Too Much

At one point, I thought making eye contact was the key to good social interaction. I’d gently ask kids to “Look at me when I talk.” But then I realized—some kids listen better when they’re NOT making eye contact. Now, I respect their comfort zones and find other ways to support connection.

🖍 3. Over-Focusing on Pencil Grip

I used to spend so much time correcting how a child held a pencil, thinking it was crucial for handwriting. But what’s more important? Their ability to write with ease and confidence! Now, I focus on strengthening their hands and coordination instead of forcing a "perfect" grip.

📋 4. Prioritizing Assessments Over Sensory Needs

I remember testing a child for fine motor skills when he kept covering his ears and rocking back and forth. At the time, I pushed through the assessment. Looking back, I should have met his sensory needs first. Now, I always prioritize regulation before expecting participation.

🎖 5. Relying Too Much on Rewards

“Finish this and you’ll get a sticker!” I used to think external rewards were the best way to motivate kids. But I’ve learned that when therapy is fun and meaningful, kids WANT to participate. Now, I focus more on engagement rather than rewards.

🏡 6. Thinking Therapy Only Happens in the Clinic

I used to believe that progress depended on my therapy sessions alone. But real change happens at home, in school, in everyday life. That’s why I now coach parents—it’s not about what a child can do "with me", but what they can do "every day".

🚦 7. Viewing Challenging Behaviors as Problems to “Fix”

Meltdowns, refusals, fidgeting—I used to see them as obstacles. Now, I understand they’re "communication". If a child is struggling, it’s my job to figure out "why", not just stop the behavior.

💡 8. Expecting Fast Progress

There were times I felt frustrated when a child didn’t meet a goal as quickly as I hoped. But progress isn’t linear. Now, I celebrate small wins and trust the process.

🔄 9. Sticking to One Therapy Approach for Every Child

In the beginning, I followed rigid therapy models. But kids are unique—what works for one won’t work for another. Now, I adapt, personalize, and meet kids where they are.

💖 10. Trying to “Fix” Instead of Supporting

The biggest shift in my mindset? I no longer see my role as "fixing" a child. These kids don’t need fixing—they need understanding, support, and the right environment to thrive.

Looking back, I realize that therapy isn’t just about skills—it’s about connection, trust, and respect. I’m grateful for every child who has taught me to be better.

If you’re a therapist, parent, or caregiver, have you experienced similar shifts in mindset?

OT Erdy Izwan

10/04/2025

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