by Lam Kai Rui 1002475276, Chan Yong Xin 1002473764

Ashley Fung Zhi Ee 1002475527, Isabel Ong Wen Xuan 1002474561,

Yap Koey 1002473335

KUALA LUMPUR – There are no test papers or long rows of school desks at the Kidztopia Therapeutic Center in Cheras. You will see materials, sensory tools and a calm environment. This place has slowly changed how people think about kids with learning and developmental issues over 15 years.

Rachel gently guiding a child through an
activity – Photo by Chan Yong Xin

Minnie, an occupational therapist started Kidztopia. She focused on intervention, an area that wasn’t well known when she began her job in Malaysia thirty years ago. Although public awareness has increased, frontline centers still struggle with a severe instructor shortage. “We try to have the parents not to focus so much on the diagnosis or the label of the child, but to
focus on the problem that can be trained and improved.” – Minnie, Founder

Front signage of Kidztopia Therapeutic
Center – Photo by Chan Yong Xin

Dedicated educators like Rachel, a graduate in child psychology, bear the everyday emotional burden of their work. With youngsters who are completely non-verbal, Rachel focuses immediately on communication breakthroughs. She remembers a pupil who used to solely produce raw sounds but is now able to articulate words. “The very first time when he can first call out my name, it was really heartwarming for me,” Rachel says.

Specialized educational toys used in therapy – Photo by Isabel Ong

When a child has a severe sensory meltdown, Rachel leads them to a calm area while softly counting to 10. “When we know the reason why they are angry, we can solve the problem,” she asserts. Kidztopia, therefore, utilizes daily improvements in practice as opposed to conducting tests. The success of her pupils being able to integrate themselves in normal settings is the main desire for Minnie. To these professionals, the full potential of the child is much more important compared to a label in the clinical field.

Students engage in a group board game, building the social
and functional skills necessary to transition into mainstream
environments. – Photo by Isabel Ong