Adapting Together

When medication is suggested for your child, it is natural to have questions and worries.

In this episode, our guest paediatrician discusses when medication may help, possible side effects, and why ongoing support and follow-up matter. Kevin also shares his concerns as a parent and how conversations with his son’s doctor helped him understand the options.

We hope this conversation helps families ask questions and make informed decisions together with their child’s doctor.

This episode is recorded in Mandarin. For a discussion in English, listen to Episode 33 featuring Dr Ranjini.

清楚了解药物治疗

「医生建议孩子用药，我应该答应吗？」

听到“药物治疗”，许多家长首先想到的，是副作用、孩子的成长，以及一旦开始，是不是就要一直吃下去。面对这些担忧，我们需要的是更清楚的理解，以及可以安心提问的空间。

这一集《Adapting Together》，我们继续邀请儿科廖慧汶医生与我们聊聊自闭症孩子在同时面对注意力不足过动症（ADHD）、睡眠困难或自伤、攻击行为时，药物可能扮演什么角色。

本集讨论：

• 药物针对的是什么？自闭症的核心特征与共存问题有什么不同？
• 什么时候值得与医生讨论药物治疗？孩子的学习、关系和家庭生活为何都是考虑因素？
• 开始用药后，为什么仍然需要行为支持、环境调整和生活技能训练？
• 家长可以怎样观察食欲、睡眠、情绪与日常表现，并向医生反馈？
• 为什么用药初期可能需要更频密的复诊？

药物治疗的决定，需要医生与家长共同讨论。家长可以提出疑问、表达担忧，也可以要求更多解释和时间，理解预期的帮助、可能的风险，以及接下来如何观察和跟进。

如果你或身边的家长正在面对这样的选择，希望这一集能帮助你整理问题，让下一次与医生的对话更清楚、更踏实。欢迎把节目分享给有需要的家庭。

廖慧汶医生也在上一集 (EP39)和我们分享和探讨自闭症和过动症共病的情况。

节目声明

本节目分享个人经历及专业观点，仅供教育与参考，不能替代个别医疗评估、诊断或治疗建议。每个孩子的情况与药物反应都不同。开始、调整或停止任何药物前，请与负责孩子治疗的医生讨论。

This episode is conducted in Mandarin.

What happens when a child has both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

In this episode, we welcome back paediatrician Dr Annie Liau to help us understand how ASD and ADHD can co-exist, how they may affect a child’s learning, emotions and daily life, and what parents can do to support them.

We also discuss practical strategies such as building routines, breaking tasks into smaller steps, allowing movement breaks, using specific praise, and helping a child regulate during a meltdown.

Most importantly, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every child and every family is different, and support should be adapted to their individual needs.

这一集，我们再次以华语 / Mandarin进行。

如果孩子已经被诊断为自闭症（ASD），后来又发现有注意力不足过动症（ADHD）的特征，家长可能会疑惑：为什么两个情况会同时出现？这又会怎样影响孩子的学习、情绪和日常生活？

这一集，我们再次邀请儿科医生 Dr Annie Liau 廖慧汶医生，一起谈谈 ASD 与 ADHD 的分别、两者同时出现时可能面对的挑战，以及家长可以怎样在日常生活中给予更适合的支持。

我们也聊到一些实际方法，包括建立规律、把任务拆小、安排适当的休息和运动、具体地称赞孩子，以及在孩子情绪崩溃时，如何减少刺激、先帮助他们平静下来。

最重要的是，没有一种方法适合所有孩子。理解孩子真正的需要，才能找到适合他们和整个家庭的方式。

Resource:

联络Dr Annie's Facebook

Book by Dr. Khurram Sadiq on AuDHD

王意中心理师关于AuDHD书籍

🐴 Understanding Hippotherapy

In this episode of Adapting Together Podcast, we visit Happy Farms and sit down with Dr. Dev, co-founder of Happy Farm Psychotherapy Malaysia, to explore the world of hippotherapy.

Hippotherapy is much more than simply riding a horse. Dr. Dev shares how the movement of a horse can be incorporated into therapy to provide postural and sensory-motor challenges, and explains how sessions are adapted according to each individual’s needs.

We also talk about:
🐎 What hippotherapy actually looks like
🧠 The connection between movement, body awareness and development
👧 Who may benefit—and when hippotherapy may not be suitable
❤️ Helping children who are initially afraid of horses
👨‍👩‍👧 Why parents continue to play an important role outside therapy
🌱 The importance of keeping an open mind when exploring support for your child

One message from this conversation particularly stands out: therapy is only one part of a child’s life. Meaningful time, interaction and connection with parents are things that cannot simply be outsourced.

🎧 Tune in to learn more about hippotherapy and hear Dr. Dev’s experiences working with children and families at Happy Farms.

If you find this episode helpful, share it with another parent, caregiver or professional who may benefit from the conversation.

This conversation explores the often overlooked experience of siblings growing up alongside a neurodivergent child.

Join Co-host Carmen, Kevin, and guest Ms. Raynette Soon, a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor TM, as they discuss on the emotional impact on siblings, the signs parents may miss, and practical ways to respond with more connection and less guilt.

Raynette shares how a systemic family lens helps parents see that every child in the household needs support, even when one child requires more care.

This episode offers clear language, simple frameworks, and examples parents can use right away.

Resource:

⁠Connect with Raynette⁠

In this first episode of our NGO Series, we sit down with Wan Ching, Head of Social Enterprise, Training & Job Coaching at Malaysia United Voice (UV)—Malaysia's first self-advocacy society led by adults with learning disabilities.

Together, we explore what adulthood can look like for neurodivergent individuals and why preparing for adulthood starts much earlier than many families realize.

In this episode, we discuss:

🎙️ What Malaysia United Voice does and its mission
💼 Employment opportunities and job coaching for adults with learning disabilities
🗣️ The importance of self-advocacy and independent living
🤝 Challenges families, employers, and communities face during the transition to adulthood
🌱 Practical advice for parents to prepare their children from a young age
✨ Inspiring stories of adults with learning disabilities speaking up, finding employment, and creating meaningful change

If you'd like to support Malaysia United Voice through volunteering, donations, employment opportunities, or other contributions, please visit:🌐 Website: https://www.unitedvoice.com.my✉️ Email: [email protected]📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unitedvoicemalaysiaEvery contribution helps create a more inclusive community for adults with learning disabilities.

Explore the importance of psychoeducational assessments in supporting children with learning and behavioral challenges.

In this episode, Carmen and Kevin speaks with a School Psychologist, Joanne Goh to clarify common questions about the assessment process, what these evaluations reveal, and how they can positively shape a child’s educational journey.

Educational psychology assessments are valuable tools for understanding a child’s learning profile and needs. When done well, they help families and educators move from uncertainty to clarity, and from concern to practical support.

If you found this episode helpful, please follow or subscribe to Adapting Together so you won’t miss future conversations. If you know a parent, caregiver, teacher, or family member who may benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

• LinkedIn

Why does a child hit, scream, refuse an instruction, or suddenly melt down?

Many of us instinctively focus on stopping the behaviour. But what if behaviour is actually communication?

In this episode, Kevin speaks with Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) Xin Yi to unpack the science behind everyday behaviour.

Together, they explore why behaviour happens, how children learn from their environment, and why understanding the "why" behind a behaviour is often more important than simply trying to stop it.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply curious about Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), this conversation offers practical insights that can help you respond with greater understanding, curiosity, and confidence.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why behaviour is more than just "good" or "bad."
• The hidden reasons behind behaviours like hitting, tantrums, and meltdowns.
• How understanding the function of behaviour leads to better support and skill-building.
• The role of motivation, reinforcement, and teaching replacement behaviours.
• Common misconceptions about ABA and behaviour management.

Every behaviour tells a story. When we learn to understand the message, we can better support the child behind it.

If you found this episode helpful, we'd love your support. Follow or subscribe to Adapting Together so you won't miss future conversations. If you know another parent, caregiver, teacher, or family member who may benefit from this episode, please share it with them.

We'd also love to hear from you.

What topics would you like us to cover? What questions are you navigating in your autism journey? Leave us a comment, share your feedback, or email us at [email protected]

Your ideas and experiences help shape future episodes and support our growing community.

💊 Should my child take medication for ADHD or autism?It's one of the most common and most emotional questions parents ask.In this episode, we sit down with Developmental Paediatrician Dr. Ragini to discuss the facts behind ADHD medication, including:• When should medication be considered?• How do stimulant and non-stimulant medications work?• What are the common side effects?• Is medication a lifelong commitment?• How can parents make an informed decision with their doctor?We also share real clinical experiences, common misconceptions, and practical guidance to help families weigh the benefits and risks with confidence.🎧 Listen now and empower yourself with evidence-based knowledge to make the best decision for your child.

In this episode, Kevin and Carmen are joined in Dr. Rajini's consultation room at ParkCity Medical Centre to explore two of the most commonly misunderstood areas in child development: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Together with Dr. Rajini, we explore how ASD and ADHD can co-exist in children, how common this overlap is, and why it is often missed or misunderstood in early years.

The discussion unpacks the similarities and differences between ASD and ADHD, and also touches on how diagnosis is not always a one-time label but an evolving understanding of a child’s developmental profile.

The episode highlights practical considerations for parents and caregivers—especially around sleep, routine, nutrition, outdoor play, and behavioural strategies.

👩‍⚕️ Dr. Rajini's Profile and Appointment Page

Got a question or topic you’d like us to cover? 📩 Drop us a message at ⁠[email protected] ⁠. We'd love to hear from you.

We know how challenging it can be to find the right educational path for your neurodivergent child. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shyielathy, a special education expert, who is an Academic Lecturer at the Institute of Teacher Education (Ipoh), to explore the schooling options available in Malaysia.

How This Episode Can Be Insightful and Important:

• Understanding Options: Learn about the different programs and how they can meet your child's unique needs.
• Advocacy Tips: Discover how to effectively advocate for your child's rights and ensure they receive the support they deserve.
• Real-Life Insights: Hear stories and advice from Dr. Shy that resonate with your journey.

Join us as we delve into practical strategies and insights to help you make informed decisions for your child's future.

You're not alone in this journey, and together, we can create a supportive learning environment for your child.

Resources:

Dr. Shyielathy on LinkedIn

Dr. Shyielathy Teaching IDEAS for Special Needs

Dr. Shyielathy Facebook Page

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