It was there that she met Aisyah, a child with Down Syndrome. “At that age, I never knew she had special needs, apart from the fact that she communicated differently from me,” Lazarus, now 25, told FMT.
As she grew up and became more aware that some people could not communicate with the same ease that others did, she realised she wanted to do something about it.
So, she studied Speech and Language Therapy at the University of Reading in the UK, where she also picked up sign language and Makaton, a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech so people can communicate.
Now an experienced speech and language therapist, she is determined to raise awareness about speech, language and communication needs in Malaysia.
Lazarus currently works in a hospital with a team of speech therapists, audiologists, and specialists from other areas. She works primarily with adult patients.
She is also a volunteer with the Inclusive Outdoor Classroom, an organisation that promotes inclusion.
“I am a huge advocate of inclusion and wanted to be able to communicate with those who are hearing impaired as well as those who are deaf,” she said.
Lazarus said for children, the activities conducted during therapy are mostly centred around play and their interests, to work on areas such as their attention span, turn-taking and listening skills. She added that although this may sound like simple activities, she helps motivate her clients.
Activities for adults differ and are based on the individual’s needs.
“For example, if my client has a voice issue, the activities will centre a lot on educating the client in areas such as vocal hygiene, structure of the larynx and how voice is produced coupled with various breathing and vocal exercises.”
Lazarus also works with patients who have head and neck cancer as the disease affects their speech, communication and even the act of swallowing.
“My role as a speech therapist would be to assess their current speech, language, and communication, which includes their voice and their swallowing ability,” she said.
She also supports them when it comes to their outlook towards eating as this might change severely after having gone through chemotherapy or surgery.
“Food is such a big part of our culture and daily life. We use it as a way of socialising with friends and family. When a client’s eating and drinking abilities are compromised, they might not find these activities enjoyable anymore and it can affect their mental health”.
Lazarus said there is a lack of awareness on Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) in Malaysia as compared to the UK.
“However, I do think that in this new age of social media, the awareness on SLCN is improving, with many certified medical professionals posting informative content on TikTok and Instagram”.
Having noticed this, Lazarus decided to create an Instagram account where she shares tips to help caregivers working with those who face difficulties in speech, language, and communication.
“I have even had a parent tell me that it was through my Instagram that she realised that her child may have concerns regarding SLCN,” she said.
“Caregivers need time to process the feelings that they might have regarding their child’s diagnosis and, on top of that, they may be feeling overwhelmed by therapy. This is why caregiver education and coaching are vital,” she said, adding that as a speech therapist she provides reassurance and support for the parents or caregivers.
“I hope to set up more self-running clinics where parents can also seek treatment for their children,” she said of her plans for the future.
Check out Rishika Lazarus’s Instagram page to find out more about SLCN and to gain some useful tips.