Adapting Together

EP 31: Schooling Options Under The Ministry of Education Malaysia

We know how challenging it can be to find the right educational path for your neurodivergent child. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shyielathy, a special education expert, who is an Academic Lecturer at the Institute of Teacher Education (Ipoh), to explore the schooling options available in Malaysia. How This Episode Can Be Insightful and Important: * Understanding Options: Learn about the different programs and how they can meet your child's unique needs. * Advocacy Tips: Discover how to effectively advocate for your child's rights and ensure they receive the support they deserve. * Real-Life Insights: Hear stories and advice from Dr. Shy that resonate with your journey. Join us as we delve into practical strategies and insights to help you make informed decisions for your child's future. You're not alone in this journey, and together, we can create a supportive learning environment for your child. Resources: Dr. Shyielathy on LinkedIn [https://my.linkedin.com/in/dr-shyielathy-arumugam-02431932] Dr. Shyielathy Teaching IDEAS for Special Needs [https://www.facebook.com/Educationforchildrenwithspecialneeds/] Dr. Shyielathy Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/shyielathy/] Related to Dasar Sifar Penolakan and Sukarelawan di dalam Kelas (SdK) [https://www.parlimen.gov.my/files/hindex/pdf/KKDR-15072019.pdf]

EP 30: First Dental Visit

A reminder for all of us: "Progress is not only about completing treatment, sometimes sitting comfortably on the chair is already a huge win" In this episode of Adapting Together Podcast, we sat down with Dr. Elaine Goh, a dentist and certified clinical hypnotherapist, to talk about how slowing down, building trust, and creating a safe environment can transform dental visits for children on the spectrum. We discussed: 🦷 How to prepare autistic children for dental visits 🦷 Reducing anxiety during appointments 🦷 The importance of early exposure and desensitization 🦷 What parents can do before, during, and after visits 🦷 Building trust instead of forcing compliance This episode is filled with practical strategies and heartfelt insights for families navigating dental care with autistic children. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, therapist, or educator, we hope this episode gives you practical ideas and reassurance that dental visits can become a safer and more positive experience over time.

EP 29: How Rock Climbing Supports Children with ASD

In this episode of Adapting Together, we explore how rock climbing—specifically bouldering—can support children on the spectrum and how it could complement therapy. Joined by Dr. Cheryl, a former medical doctor turned climbing coach, we dive into how climbing helps children develop focus, body awareness, emotional regulation, and confidence—all through play-based activities. We also unpack common questions parents have: * Does my child need any skills before starting? * How do children handle fear and challenges on the wall? * Can activities like climbing really support development? Through real stories and practical insights, this conversation highlights the importance of small wins, safe challenges, and allowing children the space to grow at their own pace. If you’ve ever wondered what your child might be good at—or how to support them beyond therapy—this episode offers a refreshing perspective. The episode ends with a peek of the safety briefing video and a 'tour' at the Batuu Kids gym . Appreciation to Batuu Climbing and Batuu Kids for providing the venue for this episode. Batuu is situated at 3 Damansara Mall, Jalan SS 20/27, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Resources: More about Batuu Kids [https://www.batuuclimbing.com/kids]

EP 28: Supporting Social Skills in Children with Autism

In this episode, Xin Yi and Kevin host Emma, a seasoned Speech Language Pathologist (Speech Therapist) to explore the intricacies of social skills in children with autism. Through engaging and interactive conversation, Emma highlights early signs, shares effective teaching strategies, and emphasizes the importance of understanding their unique social worlds. Her practical insights aim to nurture social development and foster meaningful peer interactions. In this episode: * The core components of social skills: non-verbal communication, social-emotional reciprocity, and relationship building * Early signs of social challenges in children with autism and how to recognize them * The concept of joint attention: its significance and how to nurture it in children on the spectrum * How theory of mind impacts social interactions and strategies to develop it * The role of structured teaching programs like social thinking approaches and making social rules explicit * Supporting children in preschool: understanding hidden rules and creating supportive peer environments * Practical tips for parents and teachers: role play, reading social stories, and deliberate social opportunities https://my.linkedin.com/in/emma-lee-yi-fang-16022slp

EP 27: Bullying - Sign Every Parents Should Know

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of bullying, covering how it's defined, identified, and managed; particularly in the context of children with neurodivergent needs. With lively sharing from Registered Play Therapist and Counsellor, Ms. Raynette Soon, this episode offers parents and caregivers valuable, insightful information and practical tools for early recognition and intervention. What you will learn from this episode:- How to define bullying and its three core criteria- Types of bullying with examples and subtle distinctions - The vulnerability of neurodivergent children to bullying- Recognizing early warning signs- How to build assertiveness and boundary-setting skills- Differentiating normal social conflicts from unkind behaviors and bullying- Strategies parents and caregivers can adopt * Connect with Raynette [https://my.linkedin.com/in/raynette-soon-71580494?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name]