Kota Kinabalu: Awareness plays a vital role in early detection among children that may need special attention in personal and educational development, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Speaking to Daily Express Public Health Physician Dr Suhaila Osman said society – especially parents – should be “alert” towards their children’s development and learn to identify their physical and mental condition that may have signs of ASD.

With the growth of ASD cases in Sabah, she said the stigma of denial and ignorance within society of the disorder should be eliminated for the sake of the younger generation that may be potentially diagnosed.

She said lack cooperation by parents among contributing factors no actual data on children who may be suffering from ASD and yet to receive attention.