15 April 2026 | IMU Technology Park Campus (LiT Block)

• Held in conjunction with Autism Awareness Month
• Brought together staff and students across nursing, dietetics, psychology, counselling, and clinical psychology as well as student counsellors.
• Featured expert sharing and interprofessional panel discussion

In conjunction with Autism Awareness Month, the School of Psychology and Social Sciences (SOPSS), IMU University, successfully organised the “Celebrating Diversity: A Multidisciplinary Forum on Autism” on 15 April 2026 at the IMU Technology Park campus (LiT Block).

The event drew a full house, reflecting strong interest and commitment towards fostering greater awareness, acceptance, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.

The forum brought together a diverse, interdisciplinary audience of students and staff from

• Undergraduate programmes in nursing, dietetics, and psychology, alongside
• Participants from postgraduate programmes in counselling and clinical psychology, as well as
• Student counsellors.

This wide representation highlighted the importance of collaborative engagement across disciplines in addressing the complexities of autism.

The programme began with a sharing session titled “Understanding Autism: Awareness, Acceptance, and Support” delivered by Ms Caryn Yeoh Chia Ling, Clinical Psychologist from Autism Link Malaysia, our very own alumna.

Her session provided valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals with autism, while emphasising the need for greater empathy, informed understanding, and inclusive practices within both educational and professional settings.

This was followed by an interprofessional panel forum discussion featuring

• Ms Caryn Yeoh Chia Ling,
• Dr Ong Jun Jean (Paediatrics), and
• Dr Chen Seong Ting (Nutrition and Dietetics)

The panel offered a holistic perspective on autism, addressing key areas such as

• Diagnosis,
• Developmental considerations, and
• Interdisciplinary interventions

The discussion underscored the importance of integrated care and the role of various healthcare and social science professionals in supporting individuals with autism and their families.

The session was skilfully moderated by Dr Estee Yap Siew Ting, Senior Lecturer from SOPSS itself, who facilitated an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue among the panellists and audience.

Participants described the forum as an eye-opening experience, with many gaining a deeper appreciation of the importance of inclusivity, early support, and collaborative practice.

The strong turnout and active participation further reflected the growing awareness and interest in autism-related issues within the IMU community.

The forum was organised under the leadership of Psychology Programme Director Ms Brenda Shalini, assisted by Ms Nurul Atiah binti Mohd Tahir whose efforts ensured a meaningful and impactful event aligned with IMU’s commitment to holistic education and community engagement.

Events such as this play a crucial role in nurturing not only knowledgeable graduates, but also compassionate and socially responsible professionals.

By promoting awareness and encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue, IMU continues to contribute towards building a more inclusive and supportive society for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Article submitted by Dr Thulasimani Munohsamy, Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology and Social Sciences.