KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- ParkCity Medical Centre (PMC) recently hosted Advancing Neurodiversity, a vibrant community event held in conjunction with Autism Awareness Month. The event brought together families, professionals, and advocates at Pusat Kreatif Kanak-Kanak Tuanku Bainun to promote early intervention, inclusion, and greater understanding of neurodivergent individuals.
 
The spotlight was on Charlotte Cheng Tze Lin—an educator, artist, and successful entrepreneur—who shared her personal journey as a neurodivergent individual. “There wasn’t much awareness or understanding about neurodivergence growing up, which made everyday life difficult,” she recalled. Today, Charlotte runs a thriving artisanal chocolate business, turning her challenges into creative strengths. “Neurodivergence is not a flaw—it’s simply a different way of experiencing the world.”
 
Her story captured the spirit of the event: celebrating unique minds and breaking down barriers through education, dialogue, and shared experiences.
 
PMC CEO Dr Savitha Dharan said, “We believe that every individual, regardless of their neurological profile, deserves the opportunity to thrive in an environment that recognises and respects their unique strengths. Advancing Neurodiversity was more than an awareness event, it was a call to action to embrace inclusivity and to support families in their journey.”
 
A key feature of the event was the panel discussion Supporting Different Minds, moderated by Dr Rajini Sarvananthan, Consultant General and Developmental Paediatrician at PMC. The panel featured a diverse group of voices including a speech therapist, clinical psychologist, audiologist, neurodivergent individual, parents, and representatives from Care2Run. They shared insights on how early recognition and community support are critical to helping neurodivergent individuals thrive.
 
“Neurodiversity includes natural differences in brain function, such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia,” explained Dr Rajini. “These are not flaws, but they do require support. With the right support, structure, and understanding, neurodivergent individuals can thrive. Events like Advancing Neurodiversity play a key role in helping families access reliable information, connect with professionals, and feel less alone in their journey.”
 
The day also featured engaging activities for children and families, including art sessions in the Creative Calming Zone, storytelling in the Young YouTuber Studio, football, bubble play, and the Medallion Challenge. Informative booths offered therapy tools and learning resources for parents and caregivers.
 
Students from Fugee School volunteered at the event, gaining valuable exposure to the neurodivergent community. In appreciation, PMC donated RM6,000 worth of books to the school, matched by BookXcess—a collaboration that underscored shared values of empathy, learning, and inclusion.
 
The event was further enriched by community partners including Bake With Dignity, United Voice, Autism Cafe Project, and Charrolmarc Chocolates. Together, they showcased the talents and contributions of neurodivergent individuals, demonstrating that true inclusion is possible when communities come together.
 
Source: Advertising.com.my
 
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Name: Carmen Ng
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Email: carmen.ng@asia1health.com 

--BERNAMA