Autism

Page Contents

• Introduction
• Language preferred by the autistic community
• Understanding Autism
  • Monotropism
  • Sensory Processing Differences
  • Double Empathy Problem
• Books about Autism
• Neurodiversity-affirming Approaches to Autism
  • Understanding Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence
  • Symbols for Autism
  • Problems with Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)
  • SPELL Framework
  • Low Arousal Approach
• Autistic Burnout
• Communication
• Social Skills
• Sensory Processing Support
• Self-Regulation
• Employment
• Crisis Support
• Autistic Women and Girls
• Autistic Voices from Malaysia
• Co-occurring Conditions
• Autism Resource Websites
• Government Initiatives: Examples
• Autism Awareness Events

Introduction

Autism is a developmental disability. Autism is also considered a dynamic disability, in which a person’s needs and abilities fluctuate day to day or hour to hour.

Autism is a form of neurodivergence characterised by hyper/hypo-sensitive sensory perception, a monotropic (more singularly focussed) attentional style, and a unique social communication style.

Amy Pearson and Sophie Hodgetts , 2023

Autistic persons experience the world differently due to their neurotype. Autistic persons differ from neurotypical persons in the way they:

• Think,
• Process sensory information,
• Move their bodies,
• Communicate,
• Socialise,
• Recognise bodily signals and emotions (interoception).

Autistic persons thrive and live well when they have the support that enables them to meet their sensory, communication, movement, executive functioning, and social needs. Unfortunately, many physical and social environments are not built to accommodate their needs.

Language preferred by the autistic community

Autistic

The autistic community prefers the term “autistic” person / children / adult / activist. However, some autistic individuals may prefer to be referred to as “person with autism”

We should respect the preference indicated and not try to correct that because every person has a different understanding about personal lived experience and self-identity.

Discard “high or low functioning” labels

Functioning labels are inaccurate and subjective. They are often used to describe autistic or disabled persons based on their abilities to speak, perform self-care activities and perceived level of intelligence.

The fact is: every person’s ability to function varies depending on the situation, mood, stress level, sleep quality the night before, and other factors; regardless of whether the person is autistic or not.

It is more accurate to describe the specific support that a person needs. For example:

• “She mostly communicates via speech and manages daily basic tasks on her own. She may need support when there is an unexpected change to her schedule, or when she is in an environment with complex background noise, glaring lights and/or a large crowd.
• “He works full time and needs support with daily basic tasks such as reminders to eat, drink, going to the toilet and shower. He also needs help to plan out his weekly and monthly schedule.”

If one must use a quick label to describe an autistic person, it is better to use “support needs.” The term shifts away from judging a person based on certain functioning abilities, towards a focus on how much and what kind of support that person needs.

The term also allows for fluidity to describe the different degrees of support that an autistic person may require at different stages of life. For example, an autistic person may have “moderate support needs” as a school-going child, “low support needs” as a working young adult, and “high support needs” as an adult dealing with stressful life events such as bereavement or relocating to a new place to live.

Functioning Labels Harm Autistic Persons

— Focus Instead on Autistic Persons’ Strengths, Dignity, Support Needs, and Better Services

Functioning Labels Harm Autistic People by Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

Why functioning labels are damaging and irrelevant by Bristol Autism Support

Higher or Lower? Why using functional labels to describe autism is problematic by Rachel Elkin in Psychiatry-UK

Why we need to say goodbye to functioning labels by Yenn Purkis

Resources

This page collates resources that are mostly neurodiversity-affirming, with priority given to authors and creators who are autistic or neurodivergent.

Please note that the autism community in Malaysia is at the infancy stage of understanding neurodiversity, neurodiversity-affirming practices, disability rights and disability justice. Therefore, the resources created by Malaysian authors and creators may reflect deficit-based and ableist perspectives pervasive in the Malaysian society.

Understanding Autism

Understanding the Autistic Mind 1 by NeuroClastic

My Brain is Autistic (illustrated book) by NeuroClastic

Start Here: a guide for parents of autistic kids by Lar Berry & Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

Autism: A Guide for Parents by Autism Wellbeing, UK

A Guide to Understanding Your Autistic Child by Ira Kraemer, Autistic Science Person

3 of the Biggest Autism Myths by Emily Price, Autistic Speech and Language Therapist

Why more adults in Malaysia are seeking autism diagnosis, in The Star, 04 April 2025

Monotropism

Attention, monotropism and the diagnostic criteria for autism by Dinah Murray, Mike Lesser & Wenn Lawson

Monotropism: Explanations by Monotropism

Sensory Processing Differences

Sensory Differences by Autistica, UK

Neuroception and Sensory Load: Our Complex Sensory Experiences by Stimpunks Foundation

Autism and Sensory Processing Issues – Signs and How to Help by Griffin OT

Sensory features in autism: Findings from a large population-based surveillance system by Anne V. Kirby, Deborah A. Bilder, Lisa D. Wiggins, et al. in Autism Research

In Our Own Words: The Complex Sensory Experiences of Autistic Adults by K. MacLennan, S. O’Brien & T. Tavassoli in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Understanding Sensory Processing in Autism and the Limitations of Exposure Therapy by Michelle Garnett, Emma Hinze, Tony Attwood

Double Empathy Problem

On the ontological status of autism: the ‘double empathy problem’ by Damian Milton

Double Empathy: Why Autistic People Are Often Misunderstood by Catherine J. Crompton, Kilee DeBrabander, Brett Heasman, Damian Milton & Noah J. Sasson in Frontiers for Young Minds

Milton’s ‘double empathy problem’: A summary for non-academics by Reframing Autism

Books about Autism

Welcome to the Autistic Community (written in plain language) by Autistic Self Advocacy Network

Book lists compiled by The Au-Some Book Club

Neurodiversity-affirming Approaches to Autism

Is It Neuro-affirming? Or, Not? Critical Perspectives that Signpost Questions for the Malaysian Autism Landscape

Choosing to be neuro-affirming is the first step to creating positive change. Once this mindset is adopted, supportive behaviours and language flow more easily. Research shows that adaptations that empower neurodivergent people, also empower everyone.

Madeleine Jaine-Lobsey, in The A List

Weaponized heterogeneity only harms the most vulnerable autistic-people by Mary Doherty, PERSPECTIVES/SPECTRUM

The Autism Speaks Controversy, Explained by Rachel Ulatowski

Autism Speaks is the Largest Autism Organization — So Why Don’t Autistic People Like it? by Tori Morales in Medium

Before you donate to Autism Speaks, Consider the facts by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

Neurodiversity-affirming language for autism diagnostic criteria, a DSM reframe by an AuDHD counsellor

Understanding Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence

Neurodiversity refers to the diversity of human minds and that there is no single right way of thinking, learning, communicating or behaving. Neurodiversity includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical persons.

Neurodivergent ≠ Autistic or ADHD

Neurodivergent is a broad term that describes having a mind that functions in ways that diverges significantly from the dominant societal standards of “normal” (Walker, n.d.).

Neurodiversity: Some Basic Terms and Definitions by Dr Nick Walker

Neurodiversity tools by Sonny Jane Wise, the lived experience educator

• When Should You Use Neurodiverse
• The Neurodivergent Spectrum Chart – A chart to help demonstrate how many of us diverge from neuronormativity in multiple ways.
• Neurodiversity Smorgasbord – An alternative way to understand neurodiversity and human differences beyond the DSM and diagnostic labels.
• The Neurodiversity Movement Guiding Principles

Neuroinclusion will not scale on good intentions alone by Everway

Neuroinclusion in action: 9 leaders share transformative insights by Everway

Symbols for Autism

Symbols for Autism: What Do They Mean? – Autism Parenting Magazine by Donnesa McPherson

Problems with the Colour Blue and Puzzle Piece Symbol

5 Shocking Reasons NOT to Light it Up Blue for Autism Day by Kaylene George

The Ableist History of the Puzzle Piece Symbol for Autism by Cassandra Crosman

Autism Infinity Symbol vs Puzzle Piece: Why It Matters by Grace Dannemiller

Problems with Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)

ABA is a popular autism intervention. However, there is a lack of evidence to support the effectiveness of ABA.

America’s most popular autism therapy may not work — and may seriously harm patients’ mental health by Beth Hawkins, The 74, in Youth Today

For Whose Benefit?: Evidence, Ethics, and Effectiveness of Autism Interventions by Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

The Human-Rights Case against Harmful Behaviour Modification for Autistic People by Jorn Bettin in NeuroClastic

Ban of conversion therapies by Autistic Collaboration

The Argument Over a Long-Standing Autism Intervention by Jessica Winter in The New Yorker

Removal of AMA Support for Applied Behavior Analysis (Resolution 706: Revision of H-185.921) by the American Medical Association (AMA)

• Resolution 706 put forward two changes:
  1. Removed language recommending Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) coverage
  2. Replaced the wording “treatment of” with “services for” autism spectrum disorder, a language choice that better supports neuroinclusivity. 
• The revised resolution no longer mentions ABA specifically and now includes other evidence-based treatments. This change is significant for the autistic community across different regions because it means that ABA will no longer be the only recognized support and intervention for most autistic people. 

Alternatives to ABA – Stimpunks Foundation

SPELL Framework

— Structure, Positive Approaches and Expectations, Empathy, Low arousal and Links (SPELL)

The Spell Approach by Lara Goldie, Linda Lumsden and Amanda Nicolson, in early intervention

The SPELL framework is an individualised and person-centred approach to support people on the autistic spectrum, by United Response, 4 June 2020

Using the SPELL Framework to Understand, Respond, and Work Effectively with Children and Adults on the Autism Spectrum, by Autism Awareness Centre, Inc., and featuring Richard Mills

Understanding and Responding to Autism: The SPELL framework (2nd edition) by Julie Beadle-Brown and Richard Mills, Pavilion Publishing

• A training pack and self-study resource for use in social, education, health and employment settings.

Low Arousal Approach

What is the Low Arousal Approach? by Studio 3

Discover the Low Arousal Approach by Low Arousal Approach

The Low Arousal Approach: A Practitioners Guide by Studio 3

What is the Low Arousal Approach and How Can It Benefit My Family? by Maureen Bennie in Autism Awareness Centre Inc.

Autistic Burnout

Autistic Burnout and Aging by Judy Endow

Autistic Burnout vs Depression by Dr. Neff, Neurodivergent Insights

Navigating Autistic Burnout: Self-care strategies to recover and recalibrate by Justine Field in Reframing Autism

Supporting Children through Autistic Burnout (Parent/Carer Guide) by Helen Edgar in Autistic Realms

Supporting Pupils through Autistic Burnout (Teacher Guide) by Helen Edgar in Autistic Realms

Managing Autistic Meltdowns: Insights And Case Study From Malaysian Experts by Najua Ismail, 16 April 2025, Ova

Autistic Individuals Share Their Experiences Of Having Meltdowns by Najua Ismail, 15 April 2025, Ova

AutisticandADHDBurnoutQUICKGUIDE

AutisticMeltdowns

Communication

Autistic Communication by Emily Lees, Autistic Speech and Language Therapist

Autistic communication & interaction styles by Emily Lees, Autistic Speech and Language Therapist

Communication as a basic right by Jordyn Zimmerman in Medium

Communication Method for Autistic Children: Whose Choice? By Yong Ennie in Project Haans

Four Ways I Help My Autistic Children Communicate Without Speaking by Meghan Ashburn, Not an Autism Mom

Helping Nonspeaking Children Spell, Type, and Point to Communicate by Meghan Ashburn, Not an Autism Mom

Let’s give them something to gestalt about by The Informed SLP

Social Skills

Autistic Body Language by NeuroClastic

Autistic Friendships – illustrated story by Meg Raby

Autistics & eye contact (it’s asynchronous) by Embrace Autism

Social Skills for Everyone: making friends and getting along – illustrated book by E is for Erin

‘Social skills’, turn-taking, and board games by Melanie Heyworth in Reframing Autism

Understanding Non-Autistic Social Skills by Autistic Science Person

Online training module to reduce stigma and improve knowledge about autism in pre-service teachers: Cross-cultural comparison of Hong Kong and Canada by Science Direct

Autistic People Lack Social Skills? Think again by Therapist Neurodiversity Collective, 20 March 2025
– Summary of Rapport in same and mixed neurotype groups of autistic and non-autistic adults

Neurodiversity-affirming social skills curriculum

• SEA (Social-Emotional Acuity) Bridge by Bridges Learning System
• The Konnect Social Skills Series by AUsome Training

Sensory Processing Support

“It’s Not Rocket Science” Considering and meeting the sensory needs of autistic children and young people in CAMHS inpatient services by National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi), UK

Considering and meeting the sensory needs of autistic people in housing by National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi), UK

Sensory Overload & Tooth Brushing: 15 + of the Best Tips by Dr. Neff, Neurodivergent Insights

Interoception and Toileting: Improving Body Awareness for Successful Bathroom Routines by Kelly Mahler

Self-Regulation

Autism, Interoception, and How to Improve Your Awareness by Dr. Neff, Neurodivergent Insights

Up and Down Regulation: How to Regulate Your Nervous System by Dr. Neff, Neurodivergent Insights

Whole Body Listening: Time for a Change by Elizabeth Sautter in Everyday Regulation

How Compliance-Based Approaches Damage Interoceptive Awareness & Self-Regulation by Autism Awareness Centre Inc.

Employment

Proven strategies to support neurodiversity in the workplace by Everyway

8 ways to support employees with dyslexia by Everway

Beyond workplace accommodations: why the future of work is built on inclusive infrastructure by Everway

Top Tips for Embracing a Neurodiverse Workforce by City Mental Health Alliance HK

Workplace Accommodations for Autism and AuDHD (composite word for Autism and ADHD) by Eva Silvertant, Embrace Autism

Workplace Adjustments for Executive Dysfunction by Emma Sharman

How law firms can support neurodiversity by in Angela Tufvesson Law Society Journal Online

Autistica Employment Plan: How to double the employment rate for autistic people by 2030, by Autistica, UK

Autistica releases plan to double the employment rate for autistic people by 2030 by James Cusack, Autistica Chief Executive, 21 September 2022, in Autistica UK

Crisis Support

Coping With a Crisis When You Have Unreliable or Intermittent Speech by Shannon Des Roches Rosa in Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism

Autism and Safety Toolkit: Ways for Family Members to Support the Safety of Autistic People by Autistic Self Advocacy Network

Autistic Women and Girls

Unveiling the Hidden Spectrum: Empowering Neurodivergent Women and Girls in Hong Kong by The Women’s Foundation

Understanding Autistic Women: 6 Must-Reads for Clinicians by Dr. Neff, Neurodivergent Insights

What You Need to Know About Autism in Girls and How It’s Different From Boys – Autistic Mama by Kaylene George

Autism, Girls, & Keeping It All Inside by Cathy Wassell, CEO, and Emily Burke, Trustee, Autistic Girls Network, January 2022

How often do you see real human stories about persons with disabilities that’s not told to be inspirational, but as it is, as they are living it? asks Leong by Disability Justice Project

Stories of Autistic Women

Diagnosed with autism at 20, now a PhD holder: Dr Chai Jing Yun is breaking barriers by Wala Abdul Muiz, Sinar Daily, 5 April 2025

Malaysian clinical cardiologist has autism, and she stands proud, by Sheela Chandran, The Star, 4 April 2025

Chinese New Year, filmmaking and autism acceptance – with Beatrice Leong, by Carolyn Kiel, 10 February 2025

Beatrice Leong Found Herself Sharing the Untold Stories of Female Autistic Adults by Tania Jayatilaka, Tatler, 11 May 2022

“No you’re not” – a portrait of autistic women by Rosie Barnes in Wellcome Collection, 8 February 2022

Autistic Voices from Malaysia

Autistic Individuals Share Their Experiences Of Having Meltdowns by Najua Ismail, April 2025

Managing Autistic Meltdowns: Insights And Case Study From Malaysian Experts by Najua Ismail, April 2025

CHAI Jing Yun (PhD), diagnosed with autism at age 20 by Wala Abdul Muiz, MSN, April 2025

What is True Inclusivity for Autism in the Workplace? On BFM, 2 April 2025

Asia’s Most Influential: Life in the Spectrum, by Aaron Pereira, Tatler Malaysia, August 2023

Autism: breaking the stigma or infantilising the voices of autistic people? by Ch’ng B’ao Zhong, The Vibes, 19 Apr 2023

Reframing autism: supporting autistics beyond a diagnosis by Beatrice Leong, The Vibes, 9 April 2023

My journey with autism by Aaron Lim, The Star, 2 April 2023

“Intent (Niat)” short film by Etiqa (Malaysian insurance corporation)
In conjunction with Eid (Hari Raya Puasa) this film shows how Shukri, a boy who works hard for his Raya gifts, expresses the true inclusive spirit of Eid towards Izzat, his autistic cousin.

Co-occurring Conditions

AuDHD: Autism and ADHD

An Introduction to AuDHD by Embrace Autism

Apraxia – a speech disorder related to brain-body disconnect in planning the movements for speech

Apraxia a Common Occurrence in Autism, Study Finds by ASHA

Autism and Dementia: A Summative Report from the 2nd International Summit on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders by M.P. Janicki et al, synthesis of findings from the Autism/Dementia Work Group of the 2nd International Summit on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia, 06 May 2025

Autism Resource Websites

Autism Understood – A website about Autism by Autistic Young People.

Autistic Collaboration

Autistic Minority International

Autistic Science Person

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

Embrace Autism

NeuroClastic

Neurodivergent Insights

Neurodiverse Connection

Neurodiversity Hub – Resources for Students, Employers & More

Neurodiversity Association Hong Kong

Not an Autism Mom

Reframing Autism

Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism

Welcome to the Autistic Community by ASAN

Yellow Ladybugs, Autistic Girls and Women, Australia

Government Initiatives: Examples

How to prepare your neurodivergent loved ones for air travel, in The Star, 30 April 2025 – Malaysia’s Butterfly Lanyard Programme for autistic individuals and individuals with invisible disabilities

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower by Hidden Disabilities

• A discreet tool to signal that the wearer has a hidden disability and may need more time, support and understanding.
• First launched in 2016 as “The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme®” at Gatwick Airport (UK).
• Its use is later expanded to all major UK airports, UK rail providers and global airports.

National Autism Strategy 2025-2031, Department of Social Services, Australia
See also Australia now has a national autism strategy by ABC News

Canada’s Autism Strategy, Government of Canada

Full participation in society is the top goal in Sweden’s disability policy, Swedish Institute

SG Enable, Singapore

Each State To Have One Special Kemas Autism Pre-school From Next  Year – Ahmad Zahid by Bernama

Autism Awareness Events

2025 Joint statement on Supporting the Autism Community Leading Autism Organizations Release Joint Statement on Upholding Scientific Integrity and Supporting the Autism Community

In 2009, artist and musician, Yoko Ono, unveiled an art piece at UNHQ in New York. Called “Promise Piece,” the work is made up of puzzle pieces. Ms. Ono called for raising funds, awareness and advocacy to address #autism worldwide.
Austism Awareness Day on X

World Autism Awareness Day – background by United Nations in The United Nations General Assembly, via General Assembly resolution 62/139 adopted on 18 December 2007, unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day.

Resolution on World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on its sixty-second session on 18 December 2007

Moving Beyond Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance in Psychology Today

More children with autism are joining mainstream schools, and parents are learning what it takes by Channel News Asia