Norazlin Kamal Nor

Cognitive and behavioral techniques have been found effective in teaching social communication skills to high functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) youth, yet little research has explored their integration into video-based instructions like video modeling (VM) and spherical video-based virtual reality (SVVR). We developed a social communication skills intervention by integrating psychoeducation, deep breathing technique, first-person modeling, third-person modeling and skill rehearsal into VM and SVVR. This preliminary study aimed at evaluating the user experiences of the intervention. Ten HFASD youths and five experts went through 5 sessions of learning social communication skills via VM and skill rehearsals using SVVR. Upon completion, they went through semi-structured interviews about their user experience. Results revealed that psychoeducation was perceived as clear and practical, while the combination of first-person modeling and third-person modeling techniques helped them understand the message from different perspectives. The relaxation technique was deemed helpful, while SVVR skill rehearsal was viewed as realistic and immersive but less interactive. Suggestions for improvement included interactive SVVR features and inclusion of homework and parents’ involvement. Our findings underscore the importance of integrating cognitive and behavioral techniques into VM and SVVR for HFASD intervention, shedding light on their practical application and potential benefits. SVVR emerged as a promising platform for skill rehearsal in social communication training due to its immersive nature. This study contributes valuable insights for future research and practice in utilizing VM and SVVR for social communication skills training in HFASD.

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterised by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Up to half of the affected children have a parent with ADHD. In this study, the risk of ADHD among parents of ADHD children was estimated. The associations between parental ADHD and child ADHD severity and medication adherence were determined. Methodology: Parents of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD attending the University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) were recruited between June to August 2022 and the administered Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) self-report short form, Vanderbilt ADHD Parent Rating Scale (performance section), and Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS). Results: Forty-five children with ADHD were recruited and 15 out of 45 (33%) parents were detected to have ADHD. ADHD severity was worse in children with ADHD parents for total severity (mean of 34.67 vs. 29.13, p = 0.047) and difficult behaviours at home (mean of 7.87 vs. 6.27, p = 0.036). The children’s academic performance and behavioural challenges at home and school were positively correlated with the parental ADHD scores for ‘inattention’ and ‘problems with self-care’ subscales. Conclusions: A total of 33% of ADHD children had parents with ADHD. ADHD children with ADHD parents were more likely to have behavioural problems at home and more severe ADHD. However, no statistical significance was noted with medication adherence.

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common human chromosomal genetic disorder; caused by extra copy of chromosome 21–one out of 792 babies globally and one in 950 in Malaysia.To obtain spectrum of upper... 背景：唐氏综合症（DS）是最常见的人类染色体遗传疾病；它由多余的 21 号染色体引起——全球 792 名婴儿中有 1 名, 马来西亚 950 名婴儿中有 1 名得此病。目的：获得 DS 儿童上呼吸道病理学特征范围——患病率、原因和管理方法。材料和方法：对 18 岁以下的具有UAO 迹象的 DS 患儿进行了横断面研究。观察并记录了 UAO 的诊断、管理和最终结果。结果：招募了 91 名患者。 ...

Introduction: Prevalence of obesity in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been reported to be higher than in the general population. Determining prevalence may help increase awareness of obesity in ASD and potentially lead to initiatives to reduce obesity. In order to understand obesity in ASD children, common risk factors were assessed including physical activity, feeding problems and sleep disturbances. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study performed at the Child Development Center at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center on 151 ASD children aged 2–18 years. Anthropometric and demographic information were obtained and parents completed three questionnaires; Children Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), Physical Activity for Older Children Questionnaire (PAQ-C) and Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Questionnaire (BAMBI). Results: For ASD children in our sample, the prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥85th to p-value of 0.001. The two groups also differed significantly for maternal BMI and paternal age. The median maternal BMI in the overweight/obese group was 26.05 (IQR 23.35–32.25), statistically significantly higher (p = 0.003) than in the non-overweight/obese group, 24.7 (IQR 21–27.9). The median paternal age of 40 years (IQR 37–44) was statistically significantly higher (p = 0.039) in the overweight/obese group, compared to the median paternal age in the non-overweight/obese group of 38 (IQR 35–42). The male overweight/obese children had median PAQ-C score of 2.44 (IQR 2.00–3.00) vs. 2.89 (IQR 2.35–3.53) in the counterpart group with a p-value of 0.01. Using the multiple linear regression stepwise method, three predictors associated with BMI percentiles reached a statistical level of significance; PAQ-C score in males (p < 0.001), the BAMBI domains of Food Refusal (p = 0.001) and Limited Variety of Food (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity and overweight is high among Malaysian ASD children and adolescents. Older child age, high maternal BMI, older paternal age, low physical activity, low likelihood of food refusal and high likelihood of food selectivity were found to be risk factors for high BMI in these children.

Pregnant adolescents are a high‐risk population for suicide. However, a knowledge gap still exists on how sexual and religious knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) influence suicidal ideation (SI) in teenage pregnancy. We aim to explore the interplay between psychiatric diagnoses, sociodemographic factors and KAP of sexual and religious issues as risk factors of SI among 114 pregnant Malaysian adolescents from 6 rehabilitation centers and a tertiary hospital. Single sexual partner was an independent predictor of SI, suggesting the role of less sexual experience as a risk factor for SI after controlling for major depression. Participants who were unsure versus those who agreed with the statement that most religions' viewed sex outside marriage as wrong had a lower risk of SI after controlling for major depression. Pregnant adolescents with a single sexual partner were significantly associated with current SI. Ambivalence towards religious prohibitions on premarital sex may protect against suicidal ideation.

We report a case of neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 central nervous system disease with bilateral acute retinal necrosis (ARN). An infant was presented at 17 days of age with focal seizures. Cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction was positive for HSV-1 and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed cerebritis. While receiving intravenous acyclovir therapy, the infant developed ARN with vitreous fluid polymerase chain reaction positive for HSV-1 necessitating intravitreal foscarnet therapy. This is the first reported neonatal ARN secondary to HSV-1 and the first ARN case presenting without external ocular or cutaneous signs. Our report highlights that infants with neonatal HSV central nervous system disease should undergo a thorough ophthalmological evaluation to facilitate prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment of this rapidly progressive sight-threatening disease.

Introduction: To examine the relationship between externalizing/internalizing syndromes and school truancy among Form Four (10th grade) students attending “high‐risk” schools in Kuala Lumpur.Methods: This is a cross‐sectional study conducted upon 16‐year‐old adolescents attending three high‐risk schools in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 373 students completed self‐administered questionnaires on the sociodemographic variables and externalizing/internalizing syndromes. The number of truant‐days per student during the study period was obtained from the school records.Results: The mean internalizing score, externalizing score and total problem score of those who were truant were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those who were non‐truant. Multiple logistic regressions showed externalizing syndrome (odds ratio [OR] = 1.044; confidence interval [CI] = 1.012–1.078, P = 0.018) significantly predicts truancy but not the internalizing syndrome. Two other psychosocial factors, namely, having divorced parents (OR = 2.495, CI = 1.058–5.886, P = 0.037) and did not understand or were uncertain of the purpose of schooling (OR = 2.621, CI = 1.265–5.433, P = 0.010) were also showed to be stronger predictors of truancy compared to externalizing/internalizing syndromes.Discussion: Truancy has significant association to externalizing syndrome, in addition to other significant psychosocial variables like parental and schooling factors. This finding indicated the need for comprehensive assessment of students presenting with truant behavior, including the identification of associated psychological and behavioral problems which highlights the roles of mental health professionals in tackling truancy.

Adolescent sexual abuse is not an uncommon phenomenon in Malaysia. It is a traumatic experience that complicates the psychosocial development of young people on the threshold of adulthood. This case report highlights the psychosocial sequelae of adolescent sexual abuse by a traditional healer and discusses management issues in the context of unique cultural and belief systems.