Special Needs Full Review: Alisther Rehabilitation & Intervention Centre, Bukit Jalil

Also available in : 中文版 , Bahasa Malaysia

Highlights
A multidisciplinary rehabilitation and intervention centre for children and adults Qualified, trained specialist in a variety of areas Individualised programmes targeted to achieve developmental milestones Preadmission diagnosis evaluation Quarterly specialist meetings with evaluation report

Located in the lush suburbs of Bukit Jalil, Alisther Rehabilitation & Intervention Centre, is a one stop, multidisciplinary intervention centre that provides support to both children and adults diagnosed with special needs all across the spectrum.

The centre is registered with Allied Health and conducts intervention services for children aged from two to 12 years old, with the end goal of achieving integration back to society.

Alisther began its journey in 2018, with its first branch in Seremban, and expanded to Bukit Jalil in 2020. Founders Ms. Aliaa and Ms. Aicezsther believe that each individual, whether young or old, is unique, and has potential to grow. Ms. Aliaa graduated from Bangor University, Wales in Psychology, while Ms. Aicezsther specialised in Management Studies at University of Hertfordshire in the UK.

Alisther caters to each client with individualised treatment plans designed by in-house specialists to meet their specific needs. Alisther continues to champion early intervention to overcome parental stigma towards their children with developmental conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), global developmental delays (GDD), among others through awareness campaigns and activities such as Facebook live sharing, Youtube learning videos, and more.

Alisther also provides on-site diagnosis assessments, which are conducted by a qualified clinical psychologist for a more in-depth understanding of the individual’s condition and also to facilitate the process of a Person with Disabilities (OKU) application if the condition warrants it.

Services Provided

The institution provides a wide array of programmes to suit each individual's needs. These programmes can be altered for a holistic treatment plan.

1. Early Intervention Programme (EIP)

The Early Intervention Programme (EIP) is designed for children ages two up to six years old. This programme focuses on developing social skills and life skills in children. The EIP Programme also puts focus on behavioural modification, work towards meeting each client’s developmental milestone and work on school readiness. This programme is conducted in a group setting of 1:4 with the therapist.

Quarterly review is conducted to monitor client’s progress and to evaluate if they are ready to transit into mainstream school.

2. Speech Therapy

Alisther also provides a Speech Therapy programme with qualified speech therapist. This programme focuses on improving client’s language or speech ability and to communicate and express their emotions through verbal and non-verbal communication.

Quarterly reviews are conducted to monitor client’s progress, and to evaluate if they are fit to discontinue any further treatment.

3. Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy aims to help clients with special conditions to participate in activities of everyday life and the community around them. Clients work with qualified occupational therapists to improve struggles while facing everyday tasks such as feeding and getting dressed and also helps facilitate their motor skills so they can learn to live as independently as possible.

Assessments are conducted beforehand to measure each client’s developmental milestone before proceeding with treatment. Quarterly review is conducted to monitor client’s progress, and to evaluate if they are fit to discontinue any further treatment.

4. Behaviour Therapy

Behaviour therapy at Alisther focuses on dealing with behavioural issues with clients. This programme helps children learn appropriate ways to behave, and deal with anger issues. Parental involvement is a must in this programme as it also teaches ways for parents to respond and react when or if their child is misbehaving and the best ways to improve their child’s behaviour.

5. Individualized Intervention Plan (IIP)

The IIP is a customisable programme designed specifically with each individual in mind. It is a three- to six-month individualised plan that focuses on helping the client reach expected milestones. Observation and research are done beforehand by Alisther’s team of specialists to gather information about the client’s environment and only then will proceed to design a suitable plan for each client. This programme is conducted in a one-on-one setting with the specialist, and is available for both children and adults.

Quarterly reviews are conducted to monitor client’s progress and to evaluate if they are ready for integration.

6. Sensory Developmental Enhancement

This programme is designed for children ages two to four and provides a safe environment for children to explore and fulfil their sensory needs. The programme is conducted by a qualified specialist, with activities lined up for children to develop and enhance their fine and gross motor skills, along with other valuable skills to create the best setting for them to learn and achieve their potential.

7. Social Skills Intervention

The social skills programme is designed for children ages seven to 12 years old. This programme, held in a group setting, helps children who struggle with social skills. The programme encourages children to work in groups and practice negotiation skills, leadership skills, teamwork, and other valuable skills.

8. Living Skills Programme

This programme is specially designed for children who are unable to continue academically and who face difficulty conducting day to day activities. Children will be trained in life management skills along with vocational services that help them become as independent as possible in life. Mock plays or role plays are among one of the tools used during the session to help clients with and end goal of them being functional members of society.

At Alisther, they firmly believe that working in partnership with parents, family members, or guardians will achieve the best outcomes for their clients. For younger individuals, aside from group-based activities or treatment plans, parental involvement during the individual intervention process is seen to be highly beneficial for improving the condition of the child following a continuation of the plan at home. The institution also provides support for parents, old and new, in bringing up their special child.

During these tough, unprecedented times, Alisther is always there to provide support to both the client and their caretakers. They frequently check in with families to see how they are coping and if further assistance is required with regards to the client’s treatment plans. The centre also does Facebook sharing on various topics all across the spectrum as part of their knowledge sharing initiative.