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This episode is conducted in Mandarin. What happens when a child has both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? In this episode, we welcome back paediatrician Dr Annie Liau to help us understand how ASD and ADHD can co-exist, how they may affect a child’s learning, emotions and daily life, and what parents can do to support them. We also discuss practical strategies such as building routines, breaking tasks into smaller steps, allowing movement breaks, using specific praise, and helping a child regulate during a meltdown. Most importantly, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every child and every family is different, and support should be adapted to their individual needs. 这一集，我们再次以华语 / Mandarin进行。 如果孩子已经被诊断为自闭症（ASD），后来又发现有注意力不足过动症（ADHD）的特征，家长可能会疑惑：为什么两个情况会同时出现？这又会怎样影响孩子的学习、情绪和日常生活？ 这一集，我们再次邀请儿科医生 Dr Annie Liau 廖慧汶医生，一起谈谈 ASD 与 ADHD 的分别、两者同时出现时可能面对的挑战，以及家长可以怎样在日常生活中给予更适合的支持。 我们也聊到一些实际方法，包括建立规律、把任务拆小、安排适当的休息和运动、具体地称赞孩子，以及在孩子情绪崩溃时，如何减少刺激、先帮助他们平静下来。 最重要的是，没有一种方法适合所有孩子。理解孩子真正的需要，才能找到适合他们和整个家庭的方式。 Resource: 联络Dr Annie's Facebook Book by Dr. Khurram Sadiq on AuDHD 王意中心理师关于AuDHD书籍

🐴 Understanding Hippotherapy In this episode of Adapting Together Podcast, we visit Happy Farms and sit down with Dr. Dev, co-founder of Happy Farm Psychotherapy Malaysia, to explore the world of hippotherapy. Hippotherapy is much more than simply riding a horse. Dr. Dev shares how the movement of a horse can be incorporated into therapy to provide postural and sensory-motor challenges, and explains how sessions are adapted according to each individual’s needs. We also talk about:🐎 What hippotherapy actually looks like🧠 The connection between movement, body awareness and development👧 Who may benefit—and when hippotherapy may not be suitable❤️ Helping children who are initially afraid of horses👨‍👩‍👧 Why parents continue to play an important role outside therapy🌱 The importance of keeping an open mind when exploring support for your child One message from this conversation particularly stands out: therapy is only one part of a child’s life. Meaningful time, interaction and connection with parents are things that cannot simply be outsourced. 🎧 Tune in to learn more about hippotherapy and hear Dr. Dev’s experiences working with children and families at Happy Farms. If you find this episode helpful, share it with another parent, caregiver or professional who may benefit from the conversation.

This conversation explores the often overlooked experience of siblings growing up alongside a neurodivergent child. Join Co-host Carmen, Kevin, and guest Ms. Raynette Soon, a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor TM, as they discuss on the emotional impact on siblings, the signs parents may miss, and practical ways to respond with more connection and less guilt. Raynette shares how a systemic family lens helps parents see that every child in the household needs support, even when one child requires more care. This episode offers clear language, simple frameworks, and examples parents can use right away. Resource: ⁠Connect with Raynette⁠

In this first episode of our NGO Series, we sit down with Wan Ching, Head of Social Enterprise, Training & Job Coaching at Malaysia United Voice (UV)—Malaysia's first self-advocacy society led by adults with learning disabilities. Together, we explore what adulthood can look like for neurodivergent individuals and why preparing for adulthood starts much earlier than many families realize. In this episode, we discuss: 🎙️ What Malaysia United Voice does and its mission 💼 Employment opportunities and job coaching for adults with learning disabilities 🗣️ The importance of self-advocacy and independent living 🤝 Challenges families, employers, and communities face during the transition to adulthood 🌱 Practical advice for parents to prepare their children from a young age ✨ Inspiring stories of adults with learning disabilities speaking up, finding employment, and creating meaningful change If you'd like to support Malaysia United Voice through volunteering, donations, employment opportunities, or other contributions, please visit:🌐 Website: https://www.unitedvoice.com.my✉️ Email: [email protected]📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unitedvoicemalaysiaEvery contribution helps create a more inclusive community for adults with learning disabilities.

Explore the importance of psychoeducational assessments in supporting children with learning and behavioral challenges. In this episode, Carmen and Kevin speaks with a School Psychologist, Joanne Goh to clarify common questions about the assessment process, what these evaluations reveal, and how they can positively shape a child’s educational journey. Educational psychology assessments are valuable tools for understanding a child’s learning profile and needs. When done well, they help families and educators move from uncertainty to clarity, and from concern to practical support. If you found this episode helpful, please follow or subscribe to Adapting Together so you won’t miss future conversations. If you know a parent, caregiver, teacher, or family member who may benefit from this episode, please share it with them. LinkedIn

Why does a child hit, scream, refuse an instruction, or suddenly melt down? Many of us instinctively focus on stopping the behaviour. But what if behaviour is actually communication? In this episode, Kevin speaks with Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) Xin Yi to unpack the science behind everyday behaviour. Together, they explore why behaviour happens, how children learn from their environment, and why understanding the "why" behind a behaviour is often more important than simply trying to stop it. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply curious about Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), this conversation offers practical insights that can help you respond with greater understanding, curiosity, and confidence. In this episode, we discuss: Why behaviour is more than just "good" or "bad."The hidden reasons behind behaviours like hitting, tantrums, and meltdowns.How understanding the function of behaviour leads to better support and skill-building.The role of motivation, reinforcement, and teaching replacement behaviours.Common misconceptions about ABA and behaviour management. Every behaviour tells a story. When we learn to understand the message, we can better support the child behind it. If you found this episode helpful, we'd love your support. Follow or subscribe to Adapting Together so you won't miss future conversations. If you know another parent, caregiver, teacher, or family member who may benefit from this episode, please share it with them. We'd also love to hear from you. What topics would you like us to cover? What questions are you navigating in your autism journey? Leave us a comment, share your feedback, or email us at [email protected] Your ideas and experiences help shape future episodes and support our growing community.

💊 Should my child take medication for ADHD or autism?It's one of the most common and most emotional questions parents ask.In this episode, we sit down with Developmental Paediatrician Dr. Ragini to discuss the facts behind ADHD medication, including:• When should medication be considered?• How do stimulant and non-stimulant medications work?• What are the common side effects?• Is medication a lifelong commitment?• How can parents make an informed decision with their doctor?We also share real clinical experiences, common misconceptions, and practical guidance to help families weigh the benefits and risks with confidence.🎧 Listen now and empower yourself with evidence-based knowledge to make the best decision for your child.

In this episode, Kevin and Carmen are joined in Dr. Rajini's consultation room at ParkCity Medical Centre to explore two of the most commonly misunderstood areas in child development: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Together with Dr. Rajini, we explore how ASD and ADHD can co-exist in children, how common this overlap is, and why it is often missed or misunderstood in early years. The discussion unpacks the similarities and differences between ASD and ADHD, and also touches on how diagnosis is not always a one-time label but an evolving understanding of a child’s developmental profile. The episode highlights practical considerations for parents and caregivers—especially around sleep, routine, nutrition, outdoor play, and behavioural strategies. 👩‍⚕️ Dr. Rajini's Profile and Appointment Page Got a question or topic you’d like us to cover? 📩 Drop us a message at ⁠[email protected] ⁠. We'd love to hear from you.

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 Dr. Shyielathy Teaching IDEAS for Special Needs Dr. Shyielathy Facebook Page Related to Dasar Sifar Penolakan and Sukarelawan di dalam Kelas (SdK)

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.

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

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 buildingEarly signs of social challenges in children with autism and how to recognize themThe concept of joint attention: its significance and how to nurture it in children on the spectrumHow theory of mind impacts social interactions and strategies to develop itThe role of structured teaching programs like social thinking approaches and making social rules explicitSupporting children in preschool: understanding hidden rules and creating supportive peer environmentsPractical tips for parents and teachers: role play, reading social stories, and deliberate social opportunities

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

26 bi-weekly episodes will translate into 52 weeks, equal to the first 1 Year Milestone! Join us as we celebrate a year of Adapting Together. In this special episode, Carmen, Xin Yi and Kevin reflects on the journey, sharing motivations, challenges, and memorable moments. Discover stories, feedbacks, future plans and how we've impacted the community. Main Topics Covered: Origins and motivations behind starting the podcastKey challenges faced in production and content creationMemorable episodes and impactful conversationsInsights into future topics and expansion plansAudience feedback and community impact Have feedback? Welcome to reach out to us via our channels below: Email - [email protected] Instagram - @AdaptingTogetherPodcast

After a child’s diagnosis, therapy becomes part of daily life. Schedules get fuller. Commitments increase. And finances start to feel very real. In this episode of Adapting Together, we talk about: • What “financial stability” really means for families• Early warning signs your cash flow may be under pressure• Managing therapy costs alongside existing loans and commitments• Rising cost of living — and how to adapt without panic• Traditional budgeting vs a more realistic “spending plan” approach• How to adjust priorities without feeling like you’ve failed This conversation isn’t about being rich or poor. It’s about sustainability, awareness, and making intentional decisions for your family’s long-term wellbeing. If you’re feeling stretched but trying your best to make it work, this episode is for you. Listen now on Spotify & YouTube.