A paediatrician is a doctor who specialises in the health, growth, and development of babies, children, and teenagers. They are the experts in caring for children with developmental disabilities. Paediatricians are often involved in diagnosing autism and can provide follow-up support in some cases.

Your child might see a paediatrician if your family doctor wants a specialist’s opinion or thinks your child needs specialised care.

Paediatricians have extensive knowledge about various conditions and illnesses that can impact children’s health, behaviour, and learning. They understand how different health issues are connected.

Some paediatricians focus on specific areas like neonatology (newborn care) or cardiology (heart problems). A developmental paediatrician specialises in developmental and behavioural issues in children.

Psychologists are health professionals who study the human mind, including our mental health, emotions, intelligence, motivations, and behaviours. A doctor may refer a child to a psychologist if they suspect that a person is autistic, or if they have concerns about the child’s behaviour or emotional well-being. Self-referrals can also be made to a psychologist.

Clinical psychologists can assist in the assessment and diagnosis of autism. They use psychotherapy (also called ‘talk’ therapy) to help people with relationships, learning, social challenges and emotional well-being.

Some psychologists specialise in areas like educational and developmental psychology. Educational psychologists focus on child development and education, helping children with learning difficulties, social and emotional problems, developmental disorders, and special educational needs (SEN). They support children, young people, their families, and schools to improve learning outcomes, communication skills, and emotional and social wellbeing.

Developmental psychologists working with autistic children study their growth in thinking, learning, social skills, and emotions. They look at why children with autism develop differently from other children and use this knowledge to create support strategies.

Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists cannot prescribe medication but can provide reports and professional opinions for schools, employers, and other specialists.

In Malaysia, most psychologists work in private practice. You can find a clinical psychologist through the Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology Registry.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They help children with autism by understanding their unique needs and challenges. Child and adolescent psychiatrists diagnose and treat disorders affecting children, adolescents, and their families.

To help children with autism, psychiatrists provide therapy to improve behaviour and emotions, prescribe medications if needed, and work closely with families for guidance and support. They create personalised treatment plans to ensure both the child and their family get the help they need.

Behavioural therapists are trained professionals who use specialised techniques to help autistic children learn new behaviours and skills. These methods are generally known as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) approaches.

Behaviour management therapy focuses on reinforcing desired behaviours and reducing unwanted ones. It guides caregivers on what to do before, during, after, and between episodes of problem behaviours.

Behavioural therapies involve observing current behaviours and targeting specific ones for change. Therapists use various techniques to increase positive behaviours and decrease negative ones, constantly collecting data on their success. This helps track the child’s progress and allows therapists to adjust their approach if necessary.

Speech and language therapists (SLTs) help people with communication difficulties. They assess how well someone can speak and understand language and then find the best ways to improve communication. This might include strategies to speak more clearly, use assisted communication methods like signs and gestures, and improve listening and social skills.

Speech therapy also covers listening, paying attention, understanding body language, and taking turns in conversation. Practising these skills can boost a child’s confidence and improve social interactions.

SLTs also assist with feeding issues and swallowing difficulties, providing comprehensive care for communication and feeding needs.

You can find an SLT through the Malaysian Association of Speech-language & Hearing (MASH) directories here. Note that not all qualified SLTs are MASH members.

Occupational therapists help people improve their ability to do everyday activities. They teach children self-care skills like feeding, dressing, washing, and brushing teeth.

OTs work closely with families, focusing on the child’s strengths and family needs. The main goal is to help children become more independent by building skills for school, home, and daily life. The therapy addresses thinking skills, managing emotions, behaviour, sensory processing, social interactions, and both gross and fine motor skills.

When working with autistic children, a key focus is preventing sensory overload to help them learn, stay calm, and remain focused on schoolwork.

You can get a referral from a doctor or self-refer. Learn more about the profession in Malaysia at Malaysian Occupational Therapy Association.

Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers specialise in supporting young children with special educational needs in the classroom. Besides autism, they must understand various other special needs to provide the appropriate support for each child.

SEN teachers ensure that children with special needs follow the curriculum alongside their classmates and help those with autism adapt to the classroom setting. They also plan lessons, assign homework, and mark classwork for children with special needs. Additionally, they liaise with parents, carers, and other staff members to ensure that children with autism feel supported and cared for at all times.

These therapies and supports fall outside the categories listed above. There is limited research on their effectiveness, and results can vary from person to person. These therapies are typically provided by qualified mental health professionals with additional accreditation in art, music, or play therapy.

Music therapists use musical activities to help autistic people improve social and communication skills. Research shows that music therapy enhances shared attention, social interaction, communication, and play.

For those who struggle to communicate, music offers alternative ways to interact through singing, playing instruments, improvising, songwriting, and listening. These activities encourage eye contact, shared attention, and turn-taking. Therapists also use musical cues to teach new skills, gradually phasing them out as skills are learned.

Find a music therapist in Malaysia at the Malaysian Music Therapy Association (MMTA).

Art therapists use artistic activities to help people with autism express emotions and improve motor skills. This therapy allows for visual communication, recording images, expressing ideas, and processing memories that can’t be verbalised.

Art therapy supports children at school and home by enhancing interactions, building self-confidence, and helping them manage emotions and triggers. Familiarity with art materials also improves motor skills and adaptability.

Play therapists use play to improve social interaction and emotional regulation for children with autism. This therapy helps children learn and connect in a way they understand, providing a safe, enjoyable environment for developing essential social, emotional, and problem-solving skills. Play therapy offers a non-judgmental space for children to express themselves and cope with challenges, helping them reach their full potential.

Physiotherapists assess and treat conditions or injuries affecting movement and daily activities. They can play a role in helping autistic children develop motor skills and coordination. They use specialised exercises to enhance gross and fine motor skills, enabling children to perform everyday tasks, engage in play, and participate in physical activities. Early intervention is essential to improve muscle control and prevent future complications.

Treatment is tailored to the child’s age and developmental level, starting with basic skills like sitting, standing, and walking, and progressing to more complex skills like jumping, climbing stairs, and throwing. Physiotherapists work closely with parents, carers, and teachers, providing techniques to support muscle strength and coordination at home and in school. Play-based therapy helps children become confident and comfortable with their bodies, supporting overall physical and social development.

You can get a referral from a doctor or self-refer. Learn more about the profession in Malaysia at Malaysian Physiotherapy Association.

Dietitians are health professionals who specialise in food and nutrition. They help children with autism by ensuring they get the nutrients they need, even if they have sensitivities to light, touch, sound, or taste that affect their eating habits.

Dietitians can check if a child’s diet provides all necessary nutrients, suggest nutritional supplements if needed, and offer practical advice to reduce mealtime stress or anxiety. They can also help introduce new foods in a supportive way.

Sometimes, dietitians work with other professionals like occupational therapists or speech-language therapists to create a healthy eating program. This might include setting up a comfortable mealtime environment by adjusting seating, table height, and reducing distracting noises, lighting, and smells.

You can get a referral from a doctor or self-refer. Learn more about the profession in Malaysia at Malaysian Dietitians’ Association