Armed with blood test reports of high mercury toxicity, a long list of allergens and other biomedical imbalances, we travelled the globe searching for the best help. In May 2010, we attended a “Defeat Autism Now” conference in the United States. We spoke to countless doctors, specialists and other parents of autistic children and soon realised we were not alone. We knew it would not be a smooth journey ahead, but we felt comforted and empowered by our new-found knowledge. We left the US with hope and determination.
On our return to Kuala Lumpur, we began a rigorous routine of nutritional therapy with a gluten and casein-free diet and bio-medical supplementation. Together with sensory integration occupational therapy and speech therapy, Joshua made great progress. We also used “Relationship Development Intervention Therapy” which provided the dynamic elements of intervention. It was not long before it was clear that multi-disciplinary intervention was the key. Three years of travel for intensive intervention was physically and mentally exhausting, however, with regular appointments and the support of family and friends, we were blessed with the fruits of our labour.
Within one year, Joshua blossomed into an interactive, engaged and happy boy. By the age of 5, his receptive and expressive language were above the 99th percentile of the Preschool Language Scales (PLS-5) assessment. Joshua’s autism became practically unnoticeable to the untrained eye.
We believe one of the main reasons for Joshua’s success was being able to integrate his intervention therapy into his regular school day at the inclusive Montessori school he attended. Having some medical training under our belt, we could simplify some therapies and train the school's learning support and class teachers to integrate them throughout the day. With support from the school principal and his caring teachers, every lesson at the supportive and inclusive schooling environment became a therapeutic opportunity.
At the age of 7, when Joshua transitioned to elementary school, armed with a transition psycho-educational, speech and occupational therapy assessments, we consulted a developmental paediatrician to re-evaluate his learning support needs. We were amazed to discover his new diagnosis as “a dual exceptional category” with some social communication challenges.
After Joshua entered elementary school, we felt the need to pursue further intervention for his writing as part of the recommended intervention by the paediatrician. With the limited specialists in Malaysia, we travelled to Boston, USA, to consult with a language and writing specialist. With an intensive onsite course, followed by online weekly sessions for the next 18 months, Joshua flourished into an exceptional writer and learner.
Shortly after, Joshua became acutely aware of his own learning abilities and one day enquired about MENSA. He was persistent to sit the test and we agreed. In 2018 Joshua qualified and was admitted as a MENSA member in Malaysia. In 2019, Joshua also became a self-motivated entrepreneur, launching “Josh Posh”, a brand of gluten and dairy free cookies to share with his family and friends.
We are certain, Joshua would not have made it to where he is today without the tireless efforts of his teachers and therapists. But most importantly, it has been the disciplines of inclusion and integrated therapeutic interventions that have truly allowed Joshua to flourish. In the coming years, as academic demands start to escalate in middle and secondary school, we will continue to focus on Joshua’s social learning to support emotional resilience, and also his organisational and planning skills.
We are so glad you made it here and we look forward helping you on your journey.
With blessings and warm wishes,
Dr SK Choy and Cheok Maan Law