Neurodevelopmental Support and Identification Conference in Jakarta Concludes with Resounding Success

The two-day summit organized by Olive Tree Development Center, Singapore, brought together global and local experts, marking a significant milestone in advancing neurodevelopmental awareness and support in Indonesia.

The inaugural ‘Neurodevelopment Support & Identification: Perspectives from Therapists & Physicians’ conference, held on November 29-30, 2024, at the Hermina Tower Grand Ballroom, Kemayoran, Jakarta, concluded with resounding success. Organized by Olive Tree Development Center, Singapore, the event witnessed the participation of over 220 attendees, including therapists, physicians, educators, and parents, coming together to learn, collaborate, and advocate for neurodivergent individuals.

The conference featured enlightening sessions from a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Associate Professor Lourdes Mary Daniel (Head of Child Development at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Singapore), Dr. Eunice Tan (Head of Special Education at Singapore University of Social Sciences), Dr. Daniel Wibowo (Chairman of Pelkesi), and senior therapists Jeff Valderrama, Dax Conde, and Lau Cheng Ling. These sessions offered cutting-edge insights into early identification, intervention strategies, and support for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

"Very informative and enlightening" were among the sentiments echoed by participants, who lauded the interactive discussions and the impactful sharing of best practices and personal experiences. Many highlighted how the knowledge gained will help them bridge gaps in education and healthcare for neurodivergent children in Indonesia.

Key Milestones Achieved

1. Launch of Network Autism Indonesia (NAI): The conference marked the official launch of NAI, a community-driven initiative with a "3C" objective—Connect, Care, and Collaborate. This platform will unite parents, educators, and healthcare providers to provide practical support and foster an inclusive society for neurodivergent individuals.
2. International Collaboration: The event solidified Olive Tree Development Center’s commitment to partnering with Indonesian institutions, including Pelkesi, which represents over 170 healthcare organizations across the country.
3. Extensive Media Coverage: Leading Indonesian media outlets highlighted the importance of this conference in their pre-event coverage, helping to generate significant interest and turnout:

• Suara: Intervensi Dini: Kunci Pengembangan Anak Neurodivergent Menurut Para Ahli
• Antara News: OTDC gelar seminar neurodevelopment, soroti anak berkebutuhan khusus
• Tribun News (Kesihatan): Anak dengan Gangguan Neurodevelopmental Harus Mendapat Perhatian Serius

Feedback from Leaders and Participants

Chiu Loo Kwong, Founder and Director of Olive Tree Development Center, emphasized the urgency of empowering communities: “We are thrilled to see such strong support and engagement from the Indonesian community. This is a crucial step toward empowering educators, parents, and professionals to ensure better outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.”

Participants described the conference as a catalyst for change. One attendee remarked, “This 2-day event gave me a new perspective on how to handle the neurodivergent children.”

Looking Ahead

The success of this conference has set the stage for continued advocacy, education, and collaboration in Indonesia. Olive Tree Development Center aims to build on this momentum by furthering partnerships, launching community initiatives, and hosting more events to empower families and professionals.

For more information on Olive Tree Development Center and its programs, visit www.olive-tree.sg or follow its Facebook page: Olive Tree Development Centre.

Stay Connected

Don’t miss out on future events and initiatives. Join the official WhatsApp community group of Network Autism Indonesia for updates: https://chat.whatsapp.com/I7J9eo1fL6vLB5VGsp8UaU