Resources
Pathway to Seek Help
Many parents begin to feel concerned when they notice that their child is developing or behaving differently from other children. It is completely natural to feel unsure about where to start or how to seek help, especially with so much information available online. This “Pathway to Seek Help” provides a clear and supportive guide to help families recognise early signs, understand the steps involved in screening and assessment, and connect with the right professionals.
Step 1: Observe and Record
In most cases, parents are the first to notice that their child’s development or behaviour seems different from that of other children of the same age. When these differences become apparent, many parents begin to worry that they might be overthinking. Sometimes, when concerns are shared with friends or family, they may be met with comments such as “just wait a bit longer” or “they’ll grow out of it”. Although well-intentioned, such responses can leave parents feeling uncertain about whether they should seek further support.
It is important to remember that developmental assessments and diagnoses should be carried out by qualified professionals, so parents do not need to draw conclusions on their own. At this stage, the most important thing is to record your observations as clearly and specifically as possible. You may find it helpful to organise your notes based on the following areas:
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Behavioural characteristics:
e.g. repetitive movements, rigid routines, or emotional reactions that seem unusually intense or last for a long time
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Communication patterns:
e.g. eye contact, response to their name, understanding and use of language, and non-verbal interaction
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Everyday responses:
including reactions to sounds, touch, or changes in the environment, and whether your child appears overly sensitive, avoids certain stimuli, or shows very little response
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Specific behaviours that cause concern:
e.g. general developmental delays, limited interest in peers, or play patterns that differ noticeably from other children of the same age
In addition to the notes you have taken, parents may find it helpful to record short video clips of relevant behaviours, such as repetitive hand-flapping, not responding to their name, lining up toys, or pronounced sensory reactions. These videos can help professionals form a clearer picture of your child’s behaviour and are highly useful during assessment.
When observing your child, it may also be helpful to refer to reliable developmental milestone guides, such as those provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These can help you understand your child’s developmental progress and identify areas that may require attention.
In an age where information is everywhere, parents must be mindful of the reliability of the sources they consult. Advice without scientific basis may cause unnecessary worry and could delay access to appropriate support. If uncertain, it is advisable to check with a qualified therapist or experienced parents to ensure that the information you receive is accurate and trustworthy.
Reference:
*All underlined text is clickable and will take you to the relevant website
Frequent red flag behaviours in children with ASD
Step 2: Make an Appointment with Qualified Professionals
Parents may begin by visiting a nearby government health clinic, known as Klinik Kesihatan, to request a developmental screening. This initial check helps identify any areas of concern and indicates whether a more detailed assessment may be required.
According to guidelines from the Ministry of Health Malaysia, only certain qualified professionals are authorised to provide an official developmental or autism diagnosis. If parents prefer to seek an assessment in the private sector, the following sources may be used to locate suitable professionals:
*Please note that these directories may not always be fully up to date. Parents are encouraged to verify information independently
**All underlined text is clickable and will take you to the relevant website
Due to increasing public awareness of developmental delays and the limited number of specialised professionals, waiting times for diagnostic appointments can be long in some states, sometimes extending to several months or, in some cases, up to a year.
When contacting a clinic or centre to arrange an appointment, you may wish to ask about:
If possible, try to schedule the appointment at a time when your child is not tired or hungry, as this will help them participate more comfortably during the assessment.
Step 3: What You Can Do While Waiting for the Appointment
Many parents feel anxious or helpless when they find out that their child’s assessment or diagnostic appointment has been scheduled several months away. The waiting period can feel long and rather difficult, particularly when you are keen for your child to receive support as soon as possible. Instead of simply waiting, this time can be used in a helpful and constructive way to prepare both yourself and your child, which can make the forthcoming consultation smoother and more meaningful.
During this time, parents may find it useful to:
1. Join Free Parent Training Courses
There are many free, evidence-based online parenting programmes that teach practical skills and show parents how to support their child’s development in daily life. Examples include:
*All underlined text is clickable and will take you to the relevant website
These courses provide simple and useful strategies that parents can start applying immediately, even before the formal assessment takes place. Click here to explore more free online parent learning programmes.
2. Organise Relevant Information to Support the Assessment
While waiting, it can be helpful to prepare information that will assist professionals in understanding your child’s current needs. You may wish to gather:
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Previous medical or developmental records
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Video clips of behaviours that concern you, such as lining up toys, repeated hand movements, or lack of response to name
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Videos showing your child interacting with peers
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A record of your child’s daily routines, such as school times, nap times, meals, and your family’s daily schedule
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Your child’s developmental milestones, such as when they began crawling, standing, or saying their first words
These materials help professionals gain a clearer understanding of your child during the first appointment and contribute to a more comprehensive evaluation.
3. Prepare a List of Questions for the Professional
Parents often find themselves gathering many questions over time. It may be helpful to write them down and organise them into a list. This will allow you to raise your questions clearly and systematically during the consultation, and ensures that important points are not forgotten.
4. Connect with Supportive Parent Communities
You may also consider joining parent support groups on social media to learn from the experiences of other families, and to receive both emotional and practical support. Some commonly referenced groups include:
*All underlined text is clickable and will take you to the relevant website
Such communities can offer useful perspectives and help reduce the sense of isolation many parents feel during the waiting period.
Step 4: Diagnostic Assessment
On the day of the appointment, parents are encouraged to prepare and bring along the necessary documents and materials. Please check with the assessment centre in advance to confirm the exact requirements. These may include:
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Your child’s identification documents, such as MyKid or MyKad
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The blue or red health booklet from Klinik Kesihatan
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Any previous medical or developmental reports (if available)
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Notes on your child’s developmental milestones
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Video clips of your child’s daily behaviour or areas of concern
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The list of questions you prepared earlier in Step 3
If your child tends to feel anxious around unfamiliar people or new environments, you may bring a favourite toy or snack to help them feel more secure during the session.
Before the appointment, you may also explain the process to your child in simple and reassuring language. Showing them photos of the clinic and the professionals they will be meeting can help them understand what to expect and reduce anxiety.
What happens during a diagnostic assessment:
The assessment process may vary slightly across professionals or centres, but it typically includes the following components:
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An initial interview with parents to understand the child’s developmental history, behaviour at home, and your primary concerns
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Observation of your child’s behaviour, including communication, social interaction, and play
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Use of standardised screening tools or questionnaires, depending on your child’s age and needs
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A discussion with parents about preliminary findings
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Explanation of the diagnostic conclusion, if one can be made at that stage
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Recommendations for follow up support and referrals to relevant professionals, such as speech therapists or occupational therapists
In some cases, professionals may need two or three sessions to gather enough information to make an accurate diagnosis. However, if the child’s presentation is clear, it may be possible for the clinician to provide a diagnosis after the first appointment.
Step 5: Diagnostic Assessment
Some parents may already suspect developmental delays before the appointment, while others may be completely unprepared for the outcome. Whatever your situation, receiving a diagnosis about your child’s development often brings up many complex emotions and thoughts.
You may feel:
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Shock or difficulty accepting the diagnosis
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Sadness or heartache
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Uncertainty or loss of direction
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Worry or anxiety
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Overwhelmed
You may also find yourself thinking:
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do not know what my child’s future will look like
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not sure how to understand or meet my child’s needs
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do not know what steps to take next
All of these emotions and thoughts are valid. Please allow yourself time and space to process the news and the feelings that come with it. If needed, consider connecting with local parent support groups or community networks for emotional and informational support.
If you wish to look for mental health services, you may refer to:
*All underlined text is clickable and will take you to the relevant website
Next Steps: Finding Qualified Therapists and Supports
After receiving the diagnosis, parents can follow the assessing professional’s recommendations to look for appropriate support services for their child. These may include:
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Speech Therapist
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Occupational Therapist
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Clinical Psychologist
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Early Intervention Programme Centres
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Behaviour therapy services (depending on the child’s needs)
The diagnostic report can also be used to apply for various government supports, such as:
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OKU Card (Application procedure may refer to relevant section on MARF website)
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Government medical or rehabilitation services
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Special education support, such as PPKI
More details can be obtained from your child’s therapist or the relevant government agencies.
Professional Directories You Can Refer To
The following platforms provide listings of professional services across different states and can assist parents in finding suitable support:
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Parents in Perak state can refer to the Directory section on this website
*All underlined text is clickable and will take you to the relevant website