Malaysia faces growing challenges in addressing the long-term care needs of neurodivergent individuals and their ageing caregivers, according to Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, the Women, Family and Community Development Minister. Speaking at a forum titled “The Next Chapter: Planning for Neurodivergent Lives and Ageing Families” in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, Nancy emphasised the need to move beyond early childhood intervention and consider the wider lifespan needs of this population.
Nancy highlighted that as healthcare and living standards improve, neurodivergent individuals—whose brains function, learn, and process information differently from neurotypical individuals—are living longer. Concurrently, Malaysia is experiencing a demographic shift, with citizens aged 60 and above projected to comprise 15% of the population by 2036. This convergence underscores the urgency of planning not only for the ageing population but also for the sustainability of care for neurodivergent individuals who often depend on family support.
“Many caregivers experience ongoing concern about the future wellbeing of their neurodivergent children or relatives when they themselves are no longer able to provide care,” Nancy said. She called for recognising the capabilities of people with conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia, rather than defining them solely by their challenges. Creating inclusive environments that allow neurodivergent individuals to contribute meaningfully, exercise autonomy, and live with dignity is critical, she added.
Nancy also addressed the caregiving burden, noting that caregivers are often older family members, including spouses and siblings, who require access to respite, information, emotional support, and affordable services. She stressed that care should not remain an invisible responsibility shouldered primarily by families, often women, but must be approached as a shared societal commitment involving communities, government agencies, and the broader care ecosystem.
In response, the government is enhancing support frameworks through initiatives such as the National Plan of Action for Persons with Disabilities 2026-2030, the National Plan of Action for Older Persons 2026-2030, and the Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030. These policies aim to develop a coordinated approach to long-term care and foster societal inclusion.
The forum was organised by the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society in partnership with Oasis Place and featured a panel of experts and advocates, including consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Albert Lee Muh Haur, probate practitioner Goh Siu Lin, general practitioner Dr Kantha Ruban, consultant geriatrician Datuk Dr Tunku Muzafar Shah Tunku Jaafar, occupational therapist Dr Bill Wong, and National Autism Society of Malaysia honorary secretary Cason Ong Tsze Chun. Together, the speakers discussed the intersections of neurodivergence, ageing, and care provision, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to support affected individuals and their families in the years ahead.