Digital health startup HEYDOC Health has launched a six-month pilot program to provide primary healthcare access to autistic young adults in Malaysia, partnering with a local nonprofit.
Pilot targets healthcare gaps for autistic adults
The initiative, called AutismK, is focused on autistic young adults aged 19 and older. It operates through Generating Opportunity for Learning Disables (GOLD), a Petaling Jaya-based organization that offers vocational training, employment support, and skills for independent living.
Participants will receive hybrid primary care services from HEYDOC Health, including telehealth consultations and outpatient visits. The program also includes health literacy activities, such as role-playing exercises where participants practice describing symptoms, preparing for doctor visits, and recognizing when to seek medical attention.
Dr. Raymond Choy, HEYDOC Health’s CEO, said the program was inspired by the capabilities of the young adults at GOLD. “They are learning, working, communicating, and building toward independence,” he said. “Healthcare has to be part of that equation—knowing when you’re unwell, how to ask for help, and having the confidence to access care when needed.”
Program seeks partners to scale beyond pilot
HEYDOC Health is inviting corporations, foundations, and healthcare organizations to support the initiative, either by sustaining the current pilot or expanding it to other autism communities and employment centers across Malaysia. The company said it hopes the model could eventually serve as a blueprint for more inclusive healthcare nationwide.
Related: Southeast Asia revamps semiconductor workforce strategy
The pilot will also explore preventive health measures, digital health literacy, caregiver well-being, and independent living initiatives. According to government data, as of July, 93,199 of Malaysia’s 849,775 registered persons with disabilities had autism.
For many autistic adults, handling healthcare systems can feel like moving through an unfamiliar city without a map. Routine tasks—scheduling appointments, describing symptoms, or even knowing when to seek help—can become overwhelming barriers. Programs like AutismK don’t just provide medical access; they offer a way to practice those skills in a setting where mistakes are part of the learning process, not failures.
Choy said the goal is to make healthcare a natural part of independence, not an afterthought.
GOLD’s existing programs already focus on employment and life skills, but healthcare access has been a persistent gap. The pilot aims to address that by integrating medical support into the broader framework of independent living.
Leave a Reply