Preschool practitioners’ readiness towards early detection of Asperger syndrome: a need for a screening instrument for preschoolers

• Main Authors: Abd Hamid, Siti Rafiah, Saad, Supiah, Ismail, Khamsiah, Ibrahim, Haniz, Nik Abd Rahman, Nik Suryani, Ismail, Nik Ahmad Hisham
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: LB1050.9 Educational psychology
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/96223/1/CAPEU%20Conference%20Programme%20%2810%2C%2014-34%29.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/96223/

This study explored preschool practitioners’ awareness, knowledge and understanding of screening for the attributes of the Asperger Syndrome. It involved a focus group discussion with six (6) preschool practitioners from different institutions in Klang Valley. The constructs discussed were the practitioners’ awareness, knowledge of the Asperger Syndrome attributes and the availability of any AS screening instruments, as well as teachers and practitioners’ skills in handling special needs children. The research question addressed was “Apakah jenis maklumat, pengetahuan, kemahiran dan kesedaran mengenai sindrom Asperger dalam kalangan guru-guru prasekolah di Malaysia?” using an interview protocol. The findings derived several major themes and sub-themes, such as i) difficulties in identifying Asperger Syndrome and other disorders; ii) useful information from other sources; and iii) exposure to instruments is necessary. Findings from this study bear important implications for the special needs division at the Ministry of Education which needs to address the importance of developing a screening instrument for Asperger Syndrome specially tailored for the Malaysian education setting.