KUALA LUMPUR: HEYDOC Health has teamed up with GOLD (Generating Opportunity for Learning & Development) on a six-month programme aimed at improving access to primary healthcare for autistic young adults.
In a statement, the digital healthcare company said the pilot programme, called AutismK, will provide eligible GOLD participants aged 19 and above with sponsored access to its primary care services, including telehealth and outpatient care.
GOLD supports autistic young adults through vocational training, employment opportunities and independent living programmes.
AutismK will also include health awareness and literacy activities to help participants better manage their healthcare needs.
These include doctor-patient role-playing sessions where participants can practise describing symptoms, answering common questions and preparing for medical consultations, as well as recognising when to seek medical attention.
HEYDOC Health chief executive officer Dr Raymond Choy said healthcare was an important part of helping autistic young adults become more independent.
“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,” he said.
Chief operating officer Dr Fabian Lim said communication difficulties and unfamiliarity with medical consultations could be barriers for some autistic adults.
“For some autistic adults, the challenge isn’t simply getting to a doctor. It can be knowing how to explain what hurts, describe their symptoms, or even know what to expect when they see a doctor,” he said.
Lim added that telehealth could provide another option for participants to access primary care from a familiar environment, with support from parents or guardians where needed.
Meanwhile, GOLD founder Puan Juairiah said healthcare was part of the organisation’s mission to equip autistic young adults with independent living skills.
“At GOLD, we want our young adults to learn skills, work, contribute and become as independent as possible. But independence is not only about employment. It also means knowing how to take care of yourself and knowing when to ask for help,” she said.
"We are grateful that HEYDOC Health is looking beyond medical treatment and helping our community build health awareness and confidence around healthcare. This also gives parents greater peace of mind."
HEYDOC Health said the pilot will also explore preventive health, digital health literacy, caregiver wellbeing and independent living initiatives, with a view to extending the programme to other autism communities and supported employment centres in Malaysia.
The company is seeking corporations, foundations, healthcare organisations and community partners to support or expand the programme beyond the initial pilot.
