Malaysia’s commitment to advancing autism care was underscored by the participation of the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and his consort, Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, at the International Congress on Advances in Autism, Neurodevelopmental, and Neurodegenerative Disorders (ICAANND) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. Their presence highlighted a national push for improved early diagnosis and support for neurodiverse families, aligning with the scientific initiatives led by Prof Mike Chan.
Chan, a prominent figure in precision neurogeneration, has been pivotal in shaping autism care strategies. His work, which began over a decade ago in Baoding, China, focuses on early detection and targeted interventions. He emphasises the importance of addressing gut dysfunction and heavy-metal accumulation in autistic children, stating, “Your gut has more brain cells than your brain. If you do not fix the gut, you cannot fix the child.”
The Perlis royal household has been actively involved in autism advocacy through initiatives like UniMAP and the AHEART Autism Hub, focusing on early identification and family support. Their efforts were recognised with an Appreciation Plaque presented by Chan during the congress.
Chan’s recent presentations, including one at the Autism Summit in San Diego, have drawn international attention, with US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr pledging to prioritise autism solutions. As Malaysia strengthens its scientific and public health frameworks, it is poised to lead regional efforts in autism intervention and research. “No child should be left behind,” Chan asserted, emphasising the need for accessible autism support across the nation.
