Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Defence is targeting 500 to 800 families of Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) personnel to benefit from the Cakna Autisme ATM Programme this year. Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that of the total, between 150 and 300 children would undergo early autism screening.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ATM Cakna Autisme Programme is being implemented in collaboration with Pharmaniaga, a subsidiary of the Armed Forces Fund Board. Autism affects social interaction, particularly among children. The initiative aims to assist families of Armed Forces members who have children with autism, as many have been identified during nationwide welfare assistance visits.

The programme's goals include raising parents' awareness of early autism signs, providing voluntary early screening, and creating referral pathways for timely intervention to strengthen family institutions. The programme is structured in three phases: awareness and education, initial screening and professional assessment, and referrals and further support.

Mohamed Khaled highlighted that the programme aims to alleviate the burden on families caring for children with autism. Additionally, the initiative aligns with the ATM's commitment to the welfare and well-being of its members, ensuring they can focus on their duties with the assurance that their families are well-supported.