KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 12): Digital health technology company HEYDOC Health has launched AutismK, an initiative aimed at helping autistic young adults aged 19 and above access primary healthcare.

The initiative comprises a six-month pilot programme that provides healthcare access to participants at Petaling Jaya-based non-governmental organisation Generating Opportunity for Learning Disables (GOLD).

The programme will support autistic young adults through vocational training, employment opportunities and independent learning skills.

Under the programme, participants will have access to HEYDOC Health’s hybrid primary care services, including telehealth and outpatient care. They will also take part in health awareness and health literacy activities, including practical doctor-patient role play.

The role play will cover how to describe symptoms, explain discomfort experienced in a particular area, answer common questions from doctors, prepare for consultations and understand when to seek medical attention.

“What struck us when we visited GOLD was not what these young adults could not do, but what they were capable of. They are learning, working, communicating and building towards independence.”

“If we genuinely want to support that independence, healthcare has to be part of the equation. Being independent also means knowing when you are unwell, knowing how to ask for help and having the confidence to access healthcare when you need it,” said HEYDOC Health’s CEO, Dr Raymond Choy.

HEYDOC Health is inviting corporations, foundations, healthcare organisations and community partners to join the initiative and help sustain or expand similar programmes beyond the initial pilot.

The programme will also explore potential initiatives in preventive health, digital health literacy, caregiver wellbeing and independent living. HEYDOC Health hopes the model can eventually be extended to other autism communities and supported employment centres across Malaysia. 

The company said it hopes AutismK will serve as a starting point for a wider movement towards more inclusive healthcare in the country.

On July 30, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development said that 93,199 out of 849,775 registered persons with disabilities (OKU) had autism.