In this special episode (in Mandarin) of the Adapting Together podcast, hosts Xin Yi,, Carmen and Kevin engage with Dr. Annie Liau Fui Vun, a children's specialist, to discuss autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
In this episode, Dr. Annie explains in a clear and practical way:
What autism is and its common symptoms
Early red flags parents can observe in their child’s development
The different levels of autism (Level 1, 2, and 3) and the types of support needed for each
The conversation also highlights behavioral patterns associated with autism and provides guidance for parents on what to observe in their children.
Overall, the episode aims to raise awareness and understanding of autism, offering valuable insights for parents and caregivers.
这是第一次我们以话语来谈谈自闭症，在这集节目主持人Xin Yi, Carmen 与Kevin 邀请了儿科专科医生——廖慧汶医生（Dr. Annie Liau Fui Vun），一起探讨关于自闭症谱系障碍（Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD）的话题。
节目中，廖医生以浅显易懂的方式说明：
什么是自闭症及其常见症状
家长可以从哪些早期迹象（red flags）观察孩子的发育状况
自闭症不同等级（level 1、2、3）的区别及所需的支持
常见关于自闭症成因的误解与科学上的澄清
早期介入（early intervention）的重要性
此外，Dr. Annie Liau 也分享了家长如何从孩子的行为中察觉异常信号，并鼓励家长以理解与接纳的心态陪伴孩子成长。
整集节目旨在提升大众对自闭症的认知与理解，为家长和照顾者提供有价值的资讯与指引，让更多家庭能在适时获得帮助与支持。
Resources:
Chapters
03:19 Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
06:16 Levels of Autism and Support Needs
09:16 The Role of Genetics and Environment
12:19 Common Misconceptions About Autism
15:16 Identifying Red Flags in Early Development
18:12 The Importance of Early Intervention
30:32 Understanding Social Boundaries in Children
34:07 Developmental Regression
37:07 Recognizing Behavioral Patterns in Autism
40:46 Repetitive and Rigid Behaviors
44:00 Fixated Interests and Uneven Development
48:36 Sensory Processing Issues
50:35 Seeking Help: Where to Start
57:29 Trusting Parental Intuition
01:01:17 Resources for Parents and Early Intervention
章节
00:00 开场与节目介绍
03:19 认识自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）
06:16 自闭症的分级与不同支持需求
09:16 基因与环境的影响因素
12:19 关于自闭症的常见迷思
15:16 早期发展阶段的警讯与观察重点
30:32 了解孩子的社交界限与行为反应
34:07 发展退步
37:07 识别自闭症常见的行为模式
40:46 重复性与固执行为的特征
44:00 特定兴趣与发展不均衡现象
48:36 感官处理的挑战与敏感反应
50:35 家长该如何开始寻求协助
57:29 信任家长的直觉与观察
01:01:17 给家长的资源与早期干预的重要性
Books, they are not just books. They are tools that are very instrumental in supporting children to learn and develop language, more so for visual learners like children on the spectrum.
In this episode of Adapting Together, hosts Xin Yi and Kevin, along with speech therapist Emma Lee, explore the importance of book sharing in language development for neurodivergent children.
They discuss strategies for engaging children in reading, the types of books that work best, and how to create a positive reading environment.
Emma shares insights on using shared reading to enhance communication skills, the significance of matching books to a child's interests and language level, and the role of AAC in supporting language development.
This conversation provides a good foundation for parents and caregivers to create the joy of reading and building meaningful connections with children.
Resources:
Developmental Milestones References
Directory for Qualified Professional Speech Therapists
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
02:24 The Power of Books in Language Development
05:30 Understanding Shared Reading vs. Reading
09:13 Choosing the Right Books for Children
12:20 Matching Books to Language Levels
18:15 Engaging Children with Short Attention Spans
23:01 Digital Books vs. Physical Books
31:53 Overcoming Barriers in Language Support
46:16 Encouraging Reluctant Readers
50:24 Using AAC in Book Sharing
Communicating is one of the very essential foundations of life.
For children who are on the spectrum, learning to communicate means letting us understand their world better.
In this episode of Adapting Together, co-hosts Carmen, Xin Yi, and Kevin engage with Speech and Language Pathologist Emma Lee Yi Fang to discuss the critical role of speech therapists in supporting children with speech developmental delays, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
The conversation delves into the emotional journey of parenthood, the significance of early intervention, and the delicate balance between parental expectations and children's capabilities.
Emma also shared practical tips and strategies parents and caregivers can adopt, making it possible to support and encourage children in developing their speech and language capabilities even from home.
Resources:
Developmental Milestones References
Directory for Qualified Professional Speech Therapists
In this episode of Adapting Together, hosts Xin Yi and Carmen sit down with Ms. Fatimah Amir, an experienced occupational therapist, to explore how OT helps children on the autism spectrum build independence and meaningful life skills.
This conversation dives into what occupational therapy really is, how it differs from physiotherapy and other interventions, and why OT goes beyond skills to focus on participation in everyday roles from home, to school, and in the community.
Fatimah shares a rich of real-life examples from her 11 years of practice, coupled with practical strategies and suggestions parents can implement at home, and insights on how schools can better support children with autism.
The discussion also highlights the importance of emotional regulation in the child's learning and development journey; the role of parents in therapy, and how creating safe, predictable environments fosters growth.
Her message to parents:
"Don’t blame yourself. You did the best you could with what you knew at the time."
Resources:
Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:46 Occupational Therapy for Children on the Spectrum
00:03:59 Differences between Occupational Therapy and Physical Exercise
00:06:45 Real-Life Example of the Impact of Occupational Therapy on Chilren on the Spectrum
00:09:11 OT and Emotional Regulation
00:10:14 Focus of First OT Session
00:15:01 How Home Environment and Routine Support Children on the Spectrum
00:19:11 Parent Participation in OT
00:23:19 Tools and Techniques in Occupational Therapy
00:26:39 Role of Occupational Therapy in School Settings
00:35:07 The Evolution and Future of Occupational Therapy in Malaysia
00:37:50 Openness and Responsibility in Supporting Children on the Spectrum
In this episode of Adapting Together, hosts Xin Yi, Carmen, and Kevin engage with Jacqlynn Teong, a pediatric occupational therapist, to explore the critical topic of sensory integration.
This episode discussed the importance of understanding sensory processing differences, the key components of sensory integration, and how these affect children, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
As a Malaysian Registered Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Jacqlynn has rich experience working with children. She shares insights on identifying red flags, the assessment process, and effective interventions.
This conversation also addresses common misconceptions about sensory processing and emphasizes the need for self-compassion among parents and caregivers.
Resources:
Connect with Jacqlynn on LinkedIn
About EASI (Evaluation of Ayres Sensory Integration)
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
04:00 Key Components of Sensory Processing
17:03 Identifying Red Flags in Sensory Processing
21:20 Setting Priorities in Sensory Integration Therapy
26:41 Understanding Sensory Integration Assessments
31:07 Exploring Sensory Integration Interventions
35:53 Practical Sensory Strategies for Home and School
39:55 Training and Certification in Sensory Integration
47:30 Common Misconceptions About Sensory Processing
52:01 The Importance of Self-Compassion for Caregivers
In this special episode of Adapting Together, our usual co-host Kevin takes the guest seat to share his personal journey and professional insights as a Licensed Financial Planner and father to a neurodivergent child.
Together with co-hosts Xin Yi and Carmen, we explore the emotional and practical steps families can take to plan for a future where parents may no longer be around.
Intended as an eposide to offer some awareness of what parents can do to secure the wellbeing and future of their children; from writing a will to setting up trusts and choosing guardians, this episode is packed with compassionate advice and actionable tools to help families protect what matters most.
💬 “Planning ahead is not just about responsibility, it’s love in action.”
Resources:
Budgeting Tools / App:
Podcast:
Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Financial Planning09:18 Starting Simple18:22 Securing Our Children's Future27:38 Protecting Assets for Reserved for Special Needs Children36:36 Taking Action: Steps for Parents to Secure Their Children's Future
Ever wondered when and how to start Early Intervention for your child? In this episode, we sit down with a Chartered Educational Psychologist, Ms Tan Cheng Yi, to break it all down — from who’s involved in EIP, what options exist in Malaysia, to how YOU as a parent can play a powerful role. ✨ Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking to understand the system better, this one’s for you.🎙️ Tune in now and let's make sense of Early Intervention Programme—together.
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Ms. Tan Cheng Yi, a Chartered Educational Psychologist, to explore what her role entails, how educational psychologists differ from other mental health professionals, and what kind of support they provide for children with autism and learning differences.Whether you’re a parent wondering if your child is ready for school, or a teacher navigating behavioral concerns in the classroom, this episode offers practical insights, real-life examples, and professional guidance.
Resource:
Ms. Tan Cheng Yi's Profile & Appointment Page
Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:00 - What is an Educational Psychologist?05:00 - Educational Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist09:45 - When Should Parents Consider Seeing an Educational Psychologist?13:45 - What Does an Assessment Look Like?17:30 – School Readiness: What Does It Really Mean?19:55 – Choosing the Right School: Mainstream, PPKI, SPK, Homeschool?23:22 – Growth of Inclusion in Malaysia’s Education System25:20 - Understanding & Managing Behavior in School Settings29:20 - Supporting Children Through Transitions & Growing Academic Demands33:00 - Where to find an Educational Psychologist in Malaysia37:00 - Advice for Parents & Teachers40:47 - Signs of Anxiety and Depression in Children42:40 - Wrap up
In this episode, Kevin and Xin Yi sit down with Alexa Goh, Learning and Development Manager at SEED Autism Service; Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) and President of the Malaysia Association of Behaviour Analysis, to demystify Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), a therapy often called the “gold standard” for early autism intervention.
Together, they explore:
What ABA really means in practice
How it differs from other therapies
Common concerns like masking and ethics
Why it’s often 1:1 and how that impacts cost
What families can expect from assessments and ongoing support
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional, this episode offers grounded insights to help you make informed decisions.
Resources:
Chapters:
00:40 Introduction & Why ABA Matters
07:30 What Is ABA?
13:48 Real-Life Examples of ABA
20:05 Is ABA Right for Every Child?
26:40 The ABA Process: From Assessment to Planning
34:22 Home-Based vs Centre-Based ABA
40:15 Why Is ABA So Expensive?
46:12 Ethics, Masking & Common Misconceptions
51:33 How to Find a Qualified ABA Professional
56:50 Stories of Progress & Family Impact
01:00:10 Final Reflections & Advice
In this heartfelt interview, we sit down with a young lady who grew up alongside her two brothers with autism. She shares what happiness looks like in her family, the challenges she faced as a sister, and the curiosity she felt as a child trying to understand her brothers' condition.
With moments of laughter and tears, this raw and touching conversation offers a rare glimpse into sibling life in a neurodiverse family — full of love, growth, and unforgettable memories.
In this special Father's Day episode, we speak with Andrew—a devoted dad of two autistic sons—who opens up about the family's journey from diagnosis to young adulthood. With honesty and warmth, Andrew shares the challenges, joys, and life lessons of raising his boys, and how their presence has shaped his perspective on life.
Though the episode centers on a father’s voice, Andrew often reflects on the deep partnership he shares with his wife—a source of strength and unity throughout their parenting journey. Together, they’ve built a loving, supportive home grounded in teamwork and resilience.
A moving, down-to-earth conversation about fatherhood, family, and the beauty of embracing the unexpected.
Overview:
When autism enters a family, it can quietly strain the relationship between spouses, emotionally, practically, and relationally.
In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Tae shares how couples can stay connected during the most overwhelming seasons, and how they can navigate stress, role imbalance, and emotional disconnect without losing each other in the process.
Drawing from over a decade of experience working with couples and families, Dr. Tae offers gentle insight, practical tools, and powerful reminders that you and your partner are not alone.
You’ll learn:
Why spouses cope differently — and how to understand each other
💬 Memorable Quotes:
“You can’t climb the mountain if all you do is stare at the peak. Focus on the next step, and enjoy the view along the way.”
📩 Want to connect with Dr. Tae?
If you’d like to reach out to Dr. Tae for support or counselling, you can reach out to her via her company website here, or send her an email by clicking here. She’s here to support couples, families, and individuals navigating life’s challenges, so that you don’t have to do it alone.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:08 Emotional Responses to Autism Diagnosis
05:59 Coping Mechanisms and Conflict in Marriage
08:51 Communication Strategies for Couples
12:12 Balancing Responsibilities in Parenting
14:59 Navigating Career Sacrifices and Resentment
17:55 Healthy Communication and Emotional Safety
20:47 The Importance of Intimacy in Relationships
23:59 Conflict Resolution and Fighting Fair
26:56 Forgiveness and Compassion in Relationships
29:59 Building a Team Mentality in Parenting
33:04 Long-term Relationship Mindset and Goals
36:13 Encouragement for Couples
In this episode of Adapting Together, we sit down with Faith Foo, a registered clinical counsellor and EMDR practitioner, to unpack two deeply personal and essential topics for every parent of a child on the autism spectrum:
Acceptance and Self-Care.
With warmth, humor, and powerful analogies, Faith helps us understand how emotional overwhelm, guilt, and isolation are normal parts of the journey — but also how we can process, move forward, and heal, one moment at a time.
📞 Connect with Faith:
For those needing someone to walk alongside you in this journey, Faith Foo can be reached through HERE, or send her an email by clicking here
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
03:10 – The Emotional Impact ofDiagnosis
06:20 – What Acceptance Really Means
08:20 – Denial vs Acceptance (The Inand Out Loop)
10:10 – Cultural Challenges inMalaysia
12:40 – A Real Story: Guilt, Fatigue,and Love
16:00 – What Self-Care Really Means
21:20 – Signs of Burnout
23:30 – Fighting Guilt About PuttingYourself First
28:40 – Supporting people toTransition towards acceptance
35:10 – Grounding Techniques for DailyStress
34:00 – Your Pause Button
36:30 – Don’t Miss the ‘Now’ WhileWorrying About the Future
40:40 – Wrap up
In this second part of our conversation with Dr. Rajini Sarvananthan, Consultant Developmental Pediatrician, we dive deeper into what every parent needs to understand about autism—not just the diagnosis, but the emotional, practical, and societal layers that come with it.
Whether you're still waiting for answers or already navigating your child’s journey with ASD, this episode offers much-needed clarity, compassion, and encouragement.
Make sure you stay till the end for some pleasant surprise.
🧠 What you will learn:
The difference between speech delay and autism-related communication impairment
What Global Developmental Delay (GDD) really means—and why it confuses so many parents
How long it takes parents to accept a diagnosis—and why denial can delay progress
The role of parental acceptance in enabling early intervention and long-term support
How to think about the OKU card (disability card) in Malaysia, what it helps with and some common concerns.
👨👩👧👦 Why This Matters:
We normalize real conversations about autism—from labels and therapy access to parent guilt, time constraints, and societal misunderstandings.
This is not just an episode about facts, but also about support, lived experience, and resilience.
🎙️ Hosted by Kevin Neoh, Carmen Loke, and Gan Xin Yi.
📌 If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet (Episode 2), we strongly recommend starting there before continuing with this episode.
📩 Got a question or experience to share? Drop us a message—we’d love to hear from you.
Resources:
Spotify: Episode 2- Part 1 with Dr. Rajini
Apple Podcast: Episode 2 - Part 1 with Dr. Rajini
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Introduction
02:30 Delay vs. Diagnosis: What’s the Difference?
06:35 GDD, ASD, ADHD — Understanding the Labels
10:10 Why More Children Are Being Diagnosed Today
14:15 Did the Pandemic Cause Autism?
19:15 Screen Time: Misconceptions, Guidelines & Real Talk
24:10 Parental Acceptance vs Denial: What It Means for Your Child
28:13 The OKU Card in Malaysia: Benefits, Myths & Concerns
35:57 Final Words from Dr. Rajini + Her Personal Side
37:42 Wrap up
38:45 Artwork by Individuals with Special Abilities
In this episode of Adapting Together, we’re honored to sit down with Dr. Rajini Sarvananthan, a highly respected Consultant Developmental Paediatrician at ParkCity Medical Centre and Baby & Beyond Child Specialist Clinic. With decades of experience supporting neurodivergent children and their families, Dr. Rajini helps us understand the early signs of autism, the diagnostic journey, and what happens after the diagnosis.Whether you’re a parent just starting this journey, a caregiver waiting anxiously for an appointment, or someone looking to better understand developmental differences, this episode is designed to support you in coping.What You’ll Learn:🧠 What Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) really means🧩 Why the cause of autism isn’t so easy to pinpoint (and why it’s not your fault)👩⚕️ The role of developmental paediatricians, and how they differ from clinical psychologists🌈 How early can a diagnosis be conducted💡 What to expect during a developmental assessment👨👨👧 What parents can do while waiting for a professional diagnosis🎙️ Hosted by Kevin Neoh, Carmen Loke, and Gan Xin Yi, this episode offers both clinical insight and heartfelt reflection as parents and professionals navigate autism in Malaysia.Got a question or topic you’d like us to cover? 📩 Drop us a message at adaptingtogetherpodcast@gmail.com . We'd love to hear from you.📌 NoteThis is Part 1 of our conversation with Dr. Rajini. Stay tuned for Part 2 in Episode 3!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Autism Awareness04:08 Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)12:10 Role of Developmental Pediatricians15:55 Diagnosis and Early Intervention23:57 Navigating the Assessment Process30:03 Advice for Parents During Waiting Period
In this very first episode, co-hosts Kevin Neoh, Carmen Loke, and Gan Xin Yi come together to share the story behind Adapting Together—a podcast created to raise awareness about autism and to support families, educators, and caregivers, especially in the Malaysian context.
You’ll hear:
🌱 Personal introductions and how each host began their journey in the autism space—from professional experience to lived parenting.
🌱 Why this podcast was born out of the need for more accessible, localised, and supportive information about autism.
🌱 The story behind the name Adapting Together—and how adaptation goes both ways: for the child, the family, and society as a whole.
🌱 What listeners can expect in future episodes, including real conversations, expert insights, and resources that meet you where you are in your journey.
Whether you're a parent navigating a new diagnosis, a teacher, a therapist, or someone who simply wants to understand autism better, this episode lays the foundation for a podcast that’s heartfelt, practical, and grounded in community.
👉 Have a question, feedback, or topic suggestion? Reach out to us at adaptingtogetherpodcast@gmail.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Adapting Together Podcast
01:22 Co-Hosts and Their Backgrounds
07:01 A Story behind the existence of this podcast
12:37 Podcast Name and Its Significance
16:33 Topics and Guests for Future Episodes
20:34 Challenges Faced by Parents
22:02 Golden Period and Importance of Early Intervention
28:29 Wrap-up