by on 01/08/2023 20572
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Mr Wong Shyh Shyan, Director of SI World, is a man with a vision. He envisions an ideal society where people with special needs are able to enjoy every aspect of life equal to any other person – probably because he understands how it feels to be “different”. As a dyslexic child himself, he was at the receiving end of his classmates’ insults and bullying. Hardly anyone had heard of dyslexia at that time, and Mr Wong went through his childhood and teenage years being labelled as stupid and a slow learner, only finding out about his condition at the age of 22 when he was studying for his Masters in Special Education.
Armed with his M.A. plus a Post-Graduate Certificate in Sensory Integration, Mr Wong worked hard to achieve this vision. But after starting a number of sensory rooms in various centres Mr Wong realised the urgent need to have more affordable and accessible treatment for individuals with special needs, especially young children, the age group that will benefit most from early intervention.
In 2006, Mr Wong and his partners decided to establish SI World with the intention of training parents to provide treatment for their own children to save on costs. However, it was not so easy a task for busy parents, and, as such, in 2007, SI World opened its first professional therapy centre in SS2, Petaling Jaya. Today, SI World has expanded to 10 centres in Klang Valley, Kedah and Sabah. However, their mission remains the same: To provide quality professional services at affordable prices.
At SI World, a comprehensive range of therapies is offered to cater to the diverse needs of children, within the age range of 0 to 16 years, with special needs, such as:
The center's expert team of professionals specialises in providing top-notch therapies, including sensory integration therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy.
“In 2006, we started with only sensory integration therapy. As the needs increased, we introduced physiotherapy services, occupational therapy, speech therapy at our centers. We also have a child psychologist on board,” says Mr Wong.
“We have also organised workshops for educators to help them cope and interact with children with special needs, and are helping the Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDKs), Kelas Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi (PPKIs) and NGOs to improve their facilities and services.”
“In addition, we provide back-up education to help special needs children who have been rejected by ordinary preschools and also primary school children who cannot follow the teaching pace in mainstream schools.”
When asked what advice would he give to parents who suspect that their child has special needs, Mr Wong responded that, “Parents should educate themselves on the milestones in a child’s development so that they can look out for any signs of developmental disorders in their child. If they suspect something is not right, I would advise them to get a proper diagnosis as soon as possible. If the waiting list is too long at the government hospitals, it may be wise to go to a private hospital despite the much higher charges. If the child has a disorder, the earlier treatment is started the better.”
If parents suspect their child has special needs, SI World offers a welcoming environment for a free consultation. During this initial assessment, the experienced professionals engage with the child through play and observation to identify potential developmental concerns. Based on their findings, SI World devises a personalised intervention plan tailored to the child's specific needs. The center provides a range of therapies to ensure that each child receives the appropriate interventions to foster their development effectively.
SI World takes a personalised approach to therapy, primarily focusing on 1-to-1 sessions to offer dedicated attention and support. However, the center also recognises the importance of socialisation and facilitates 1-to-2 settings when it's beneficial for the child's progress. By fostering a nurturing and interactive environment, SI World strives to promote the child's growth and well-being while addressing their unique challenges and abilities. With an emphasis on early intervention, SI World underscores the significance of prompt diagnosis and treatment, aiming to empower children with special needs to reach their fullest potential.
All SI World centers offer an inclusive environment designed support children with special needs. They are well-equipped with sensory play areas, therapy rooms and specialized equipment to facilitate various therapeutic interventions. To ensure safety during therapeutic sessions, the centers are fitted with child-friendly foam mats to minimize injury or harm in an accidental fall. The welcoming ambience and inclusive space foster a sense of comfort and trust for the children and their families. With a strong commitment to excellence, SI World ensures that every aspect of its facilities is tailored to meet the unique requirements of each child, enabling them to thrive and make progress in their journey of growth and development.
“Parents are highly encouraged to take up individual parents’ training with us so that they know what they can do at home to help their children further,” advises Mr Wong. “After 12 sessions, a senior therapist will provide a review for parents highlighting the targets set, progress made, address any existing challenges and offer solutions to overcome them, giving parents renewed hope and optimism for their child’s future.”
In SI World, the ultimate goal for every special needs child is to receive comprehensive support and intervention that empowers them to achieve their highest level of independence, functionality and overall well-being. Through personalized therapies, education, and a nurturing environment, the center aims to maximize each child's potential, fostering their self-confidence and promoting their inclusion in society. With unwavering dedication, the team at SI World is committed to equipping these children with the tools and abilities they need to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives, ensuring they thrive and reach their full potential.
SI World warmly invites all parents of special needs children to schedule an early consultation, as we firmly believe that early intervention is crucial in fostering positive outcomes for your child's development and growth. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow – contact us for a consultation today!
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