DESPITE Brunei's lead in having an inclusive education system for all, including children with disabilities such as autism, there should be a study on the extent of the system's effectiveness in order to improve further, said an autism expert.

In an exclusive interview, Early Intervention, Autism and Assessment Senior Lecturer Dr Hasnah Toran from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) said: "It (Brunei's inclusive education system) is amazing. I am trying to study that. I talked to some people from the Special Education Unit, and I told them and said it was good they had the programmes, however, they need to study them and see if they are effective."

"If they are effective, how can you further improve? How can you provide World Class services for the children? The thing is that the moment we say we are doing our best, that is the moment you will start slipping," she said, adding that research should be ongoing.

She encouraged staff at the unit that they should always talk to parents and teachers. 

Regarding early intervention with autistic children, Dr Hasnah said that, as a lot of research has been done on the effectiveness of early intervention, it has shown that the earlier you detect, the better.

"Sometimes, parents need time to adapt to the fact that they have a special child, that is why I think we have to rally together to provide them support, because the more they are supported, the more they are empowered, and the better they can move for their kids," she said, adding she could not emphasised enough on the importance of early intervention. 

At UKM, Dr Hasnah founded the Autism Learning Lab which was set up in 2009. It received funding of RM319,000 (BND$135,340 from the university.

The purpose of the research lab is to study areas of improvement relating to diagnosis, early intervention programmes and services for individuals with autism.

"Brunei should start a research lab too. As professionals, we have to do research and go to parents and ask them how is it best for us to provide you with services and support, because they are the ones who we need to help. 

"The more they are empowered, the better they can provide for the kids," she said. 

"We need to know what is it that they need. We cannot just say we want to come up with this and that programme. But the reality is that there is a huge gap between the professionals and the parents, so research can help with that, and I think Brunei has a lot of potential," she added. 

She related to America, where she said agencies pertaining to autism were "proactive" in seeking out individuals with autism and helping them. 

"In America for example, if you have doubt about your child's development, there are agencies that will proactively seek children. There will be posters and advertisements on TV and newspapers. These agencies are not waiting for parents to be worried and parents contacting them," she said. 

Dr Hasnah explained that when parents contacted the agency and brought the kid in, they (the children) will be screened for seven days (according to the law). 

"When it is in the law, it has to be provided and I think Brunei can do it," she said. 

From the results of the screening, Dr Hasnah said it will indicate whether the child will need further assessments. "So rather than waiting for parents to go to them, worst still, some parents may already know the child has (issues) but they do not know where to go. Because it is a totally foreign idea having a child with a disability, as some parents do not even know what autism is," she said.

Dr Hasnah added that once the child is confirmed, the child will be assessed, diagnosed and undergo a placement for provision. 

"I urge Brunei to go in this path. I am trying to get Malaysia to go this way, but I have a feeling Brunei will be more successful."

Regarding future collaborations with Brunei, a few professionals have shown interest in her research on adapting the screening tools and assessments, she said.

"To a certain extent, our cultures are different, and whatever that we do in Malaysia, I think we need to do some tweeking and I think then it can be done in Brunei. This geographical boundary should not be a barrier, because it is only a two hour flight, and through the Internet, we can discuss (autism related issues and improvements). 

"I am really looking forward for more collaboration with Brunei, and whatever sharing should not be one way. I think Malaysia has a lot to learn from Brunei, and if we work with each other, the benefit will be for the kids," she said. 

Dr Hasnah obtained her doctorate in early intervention from Oregon University inthe US. She is also a mother of a 13-year-old boy with autism, and has written many articles on the issue.