KUALA LUMPUR - Families of children with autism can now access free digital resources to support their children's development at home through a new mobile application launched by Early Autism Project Malaysia (EAP).
The Autism at Home app, launched by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh aims to provide parents, caregivers and educators with practical tools and guidance, particularly for families facing long waiting periods for therapy and limited access to professional support.
Available in English and Bahasa Malaysia, the app can be downloaded free of charge through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Yeoh said approximately 99,000 individuals with autism were registered nationwide and held an OKU card as of Oct 2026, including about 10,000 children below the age of six.
She said growing awareness had encouraged more families to recognise autism and register their children, but greater efforts were needed to ensure support reached communities beyond urban areas.
"We need this expertise in our schools, in rural areas and in kampungs across Malaysia, so that support and knowledge are not limited to families who can afford private services," she said at EAP's 20th anniversary fundraising gala held yesterday at JW Mariott Hotel.
Yeoh said the government was also taking steps to expand autism support services, including plans announced under Budget 2027 to establish two Permata Kurnia centres in Pahang and Melaka.
The centres will provide education, support and training for children with autism, while more than 130 new Tabika Tunas Istimewa classes will be introduced in rural areas to improve access to early intervention, particularly for children from low-income families.
Malaysia's autism care system continues to face challenges, including long waiting times for therapy and a shortage of trained professionals, making additional resources for families increasingly important.
The newly launched app builds on EAP's existing Autism at Home digital platform, which has more than 4,000 subscribers and approximately 2,000 active users.
Its features include visual schedules to help children understand daily routines and expectations, communication tools for nonverbal learners, social stories and educational videos.
A chatbot is also available to help users navigate relevant guidance and resources.
EAP director Jochebed Isaacs said the organisation aimed to reach 5,000 families within the next 12 months, with a longer-term target of 20,000 app downloads over five years.
"Parents often face challenges in supporting their child's speech and communication, managing behaviours and building independence.
"The app provides practical resources to help them navigate these challenges and feel more confident supporting their child's development at home," she said.
EAP has raised more than RM200,000 to support the app's continued development and maintenance, with the funds channelled towards improving its features, expanding resources and covering technical updates.
The funding will also ensure the app remains free to use without subscription fees.
The fundraising gala also marked the 10th anniversary of EAP's non-profit arm, The Hope Project (THP), which has reached more than 1,600 children through subsidised services, scholarships and support programmes.
Its awareness campaigns have also reached more than one million people.
Established in 2006, EAP specialises in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)-based intervention and provides therapy, diagnostic evaluations, developmental assessments, professional training and advocacy.
Over the past 20 years, the organisation has supported more than 1,500 individuals with autism and their families from over 40 countries.