EAP LAUNCHES FREE ‘AUTISM AT HOME’ APP TO SUPPORT FAMILIESACROSS MALAYSIA
With approximately 10,000 children under theage of six registered with autism nationwide, and families facing long waits for therapy, Early Autism Project Malaysia (EAP) has launched a free app to helpfamilies support their children at home.
The Autism at Home app was launched on 5 November by YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), at EAP’s 20thAnniversary Fundraising Gala. Available in English and Bahasa Malaysia, theappgives parents, caregivers and educators practical visuals, tools and resources for everyday use. It is free to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), said: “As of October 2026, approximately 99,000 individuals with autismareregistered nationwide and hold an OKU card, including approximately 10,000children below the age of six. Over the years, greater awareness has helped morefamilies recognise autism and come forward to register their children, but there is still a lot more to be done. We need this expertise in our schools, in rural areas andinkampungs across Malaysia, so that support and knowledge are not limited to familieswho can afford private services.”
She added that the government is taking steps to expand support, including througha special allocation announced last year to establish an autism centre in every state. More recently, Budget 2027 announced plans for two Permata Kurnia centresinPahang and Melaka to provide education, support and training for childrenwithautism, as well as more than 130 new Tabika Tunas Istimewa classes in rural areasnationwide to improve access to early support for children with autismfromlow income families.
Malaysia’s autism care system remains under strain, with long waiting times for therapy and a shortage of trained professionals. The app offers families an additional avenue for guidance and resources, particularly when professional support may not be readily available.
The app builds on EAP’s existing Autism at Home digital platform, which has morethan 4,000 subscribers and approximately 2,000 active users. It brings together features designed to support children’s communication, understanding and dailyroutines. These include tools to help children understand expectations, visual schedules, communication support for nonverbal learners, social stories andeducational videos. A chatbot also helps users navigate relevant guidanceandresources.
EAP Director, Jochebed Isaacs, said: “Through the Autism at Home app, we aimtoreach 5,000 families within the next 12 months, with a longer-term goal of 20,000app
downloads over five years. We recognise that parents often face challengesinsupporting their child’s speech and communication, managing behaviours andbuilding independence. The app provides practical resources to help themnavigatethese challenges and feel more confident supporting their child’s development at home.”
EAP has raised over RM200,000 to support the continued development andmaintenance of the Autism at Home app. Funds raised will go towards developingand enhancing its features and resources, covering ongoing technical maintenanceand updates, and ensuring the app remains free to use without subscription fees.
The Fundraising Gala also marked the 10th anniversary of EAP’s non-profit arm, TheHope Project (THP), which has reached more than 1,600 children through subsidisedservices, scholarships and support programmes. Its awareness campaigns haveimpacted more than one million people.
Established in 2006, EAP is a pioneer in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)-basedintervention in Malaysia. Guided by its vision of bringing hope to every home, EAPprovides therapy, diagnostic evaluations and developmental assessments, professional training and advocacy. Over the past 20 years, it has supported morethan 1,500 individuals with autism and their families from over 40 countries.
ABOUT EARLY AUTISM PROJECT
Early Autism Project Malaysia (EAP) is a pioneer of the Applied Behaviour Analysis(ABA) approach in Malaysia. Established in 2006 by the Wisconsin Early AutismProject, EAP provides intensive, evidence-based behavioural interventionprogrammes designed to support children with autism in reaching their full potential. Through its comprehensive and holistic approach, nearly 50%of children initsprogrammes have progressed to learning alongside their typically developing peers. Since its establishment, EAP has supported more than 1,500 individuals fromover 40 countries.
In 2016, EAP established its non-profit arm, The Hope Project, to make world-classautism services more accessible to underserved communities. The Hope Project focuses on advocacy campaigns, subsidised services, and digital resources, including the Autism At Home resource portal designed to empower parents, caregivers, and educators. For more information, visit www.autismmalaysia.com.
