EVERY year, thousands of young children, some as young as 1 years old, begin a challenging journey of overcoming sensory development difficulties.
These children, often diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), auditory processing disorder (APD), and sensory processing challenges, rely on hospitals and clinics to navigate this crucial phase of their lives.
But the real question is, are we doing enough to support them?
Despite growing awareness, medical experts argue that paediatric rehabilitation services in Penang still lack the necessary funding, facilities, and accessibility to meet the rising demand.
While progress is being made, particularly with initiatives like the new Kiwanis Sensory Room at Penang Hospital, there is still much more to be done.
Established through a collaboration between the Kiwanis Club of Penang Central and Penang Hospital’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Kiwanis Sensory Room is designed to help children with sensory sensitivities develop better social, emotional, and behavioural responses through ‘sensory integration’ therapy.
“This facility is a step in the right direction, but it is just the beginning.
We need more of these spaces across public hospitals,” said Dr. Zetty Noreeta Mohd Rozali, head of Penang Hospital’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine.
While the sensory room is a lifeline for many, not all children can access such specialised care due to limited resources.
Equipment used for therapy, such as swings, trampolines, and interactive tools, comes at a high cost and is often imported.
This makes expansion efforts challenging, especially for government hospitals that operate on constrained budgets.
“Parents must also realise the importance of early intervention because the earlier we address these challenges, the better the outcome for the child,” she said.
For many children, early intervention can mean the difference between thriving and struggling in everyday life.
Yet, experts have observed that some parents fail to seek timely help, assuming their child’s difficulties will resolve on their own.
Rehabilitation specialist Dr. Sara Easaw emphasised that parents play a crucial role in their child’s development.
“Children spend most of their time at home.
“What they experience there shapes their progress more than any therapy session can,” she said.
Meanwhile, occupational therapy officer Zurlina Mahmood shared a case that left a lasting impact on her, where a 12-year-old child had never received treatment for sensory development challenges.
“This was heartbreaking to witness.
“The child’s struggles could have been managed much earlier, but due to a lack of awareness, the parents never sought help.
“Many parents today let their children spend hours on smartphones, unaware of the long-term effects,” she said.
She warned that delayed intervention often leads to more severe developmental challenges, making therapy more complex and less effective.
Despite the challenges, the launch of the Kiwanis Sensory Room stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together.
The project, which cost RM28,012, was made possible by the dedication of the Kiwanis Club of Penang Central, which funded the materials and equipment needed to create a state-of-the-art therapeutic environment.
The facility, now managed by a team of dedicated occupational therapists, features specialised therapy tools like swings, trampolines, and tactile boards, all designed using evidence-based practices to enhance motor skills, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the opening on February 13, praised the initiative and called for greater investment in paediatric rehabilitation services.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Nurashikin Ismail