Perspectives on Autism in ASEAN Countries
Introduction
The support and inclusion of children and young people with autism spectrum disorder
(ASD) have become increasingly important topics in educational policy worldwide. This essay
critically analyzes the policies, practices, and lived experiences related to autism support in
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries and the United Kingdom (UK), with
a particular focus on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice in
the UK.
Policy Analysis: ASEAN Countries
ASEAN countries have made significant strides in recognizing and addressing the needs
of individuals with autism, though the approaches and levels of support vary across the region.
The ASEAN Autism Network (AAN), established in 2010, is crucial in promoting regional
cooperation and knowledge sharing on autism [1]. However, the implementation of autism-
specific policies differs among member states.
National policy
In Malaysia, the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) works closely with the
government to provide support and services for individuals with autism [2]. Singapore has
implemented the Enabling Masterplan 2030, which includes specific provisions for supporting
individuals with autism, focusing on early intervention and inclusive education [3]. Thailand has
introduced a national screening program for autism in children aged 18-30 months [4]. In
Singapore several national policies in Singapore are implemented to support individuals with
ASD, such as the Early Intervention Program (EIP). This program aims to identify children with
, ASD early and provide them with comprehensive support services, including therapy, education,
and family guidance. Added to this is the Special Education Needs (SEN) Framework that
focuses on providing individualized support for students with disabilities, including those with
ASD. It includes different levels of support, from in-class support to specialized schools.
Singapore also utilizes the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Registry, which helps to track the
prevalence of ASD in Singapore and understand the needs of the community. The Enabling
Masterplan 2030 in Singapore is a comprehensive plan that outlines strategies to enhance the
lives of people with disabilities, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Further, Thailand applies the National Policy on Education for Persons with Disabilities,
which emphasizes inclusive education for all students with disabilities, including those with
ASD. The National Health Security Act also provides financial support for individuals with
disabilities, including access to healthcare and rehabilitation services. Thailand promotes
inclusive education to integrate students with ASD into mainstream schools. These schools offer
specialized programs for students with ASD, including individualized learning plans and
therapies. Teachers receive training on supporting students with ASD, including strategies for
inclusive teaching and classroom management.
Regional Initiatives
The ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) is a relatively new initiative, and there is currently
no official, publicly accessible network with that specific name operating within the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Promotes regional cooperation and knowledge sharing on
autism. The ASEAN Autism Mapping Project aims to gather data on autism prevalence, services,
and best practices across member countries. There is a growing movement towards regional
collaboration on autism in the region. Different factors make such regional initiatives successful
Introduction
The support and inclusion of children and young people with autism spectrum disorder
(ASD) have become increasingly important topics in educational policy worldwide. This essay
critically analyzes the policies, practices, and lived experiences related to autism support in
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries and the United Kingdom (UK), with
a particular focus on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice in
the UK.
Policy Analysis: ASEAN Countries
ASEAN countries have made significant strides in recognizing and addressing the needs
of individuals with autism, though the approaches and levels of support vary across the region.
The ASEAN Autism Network (AAN), established in 2010, is crucial in promoting regional
cooperation and knowledge sharing on autism [1]. However, the implementation of autism-
specific policies differs among member states.
National policy
In Malaysia, the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) works closely with the
government to provide support and services for individuals with autism [2]. Singapore has
implemented the Enabling Masterplan 2030, which includes specific provisions for supporting
individuals with autism, focusing on early intervention and inclusive education [3]. Thailand has
introduced a national screening program for autism in children aged 18-30 months [4]. In
Singapore several national policies in Singapore are implemented to support individuals with
ASD, such as the Early Intervention Program (EIP). This program aims to identify children with
, ASD early and provide them with comprehensive support services, including therapy, education,
and family guidance. Added to this is the Special Education Needs (SEN) Framework that
focuses on providing individualized support for students with disabilities, including those with
ASD. It includes different levels of support, from in-class support to specialized schools.
Singapore also utilizes the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Registry, which helps to track the
prevalence of ASD in Singapore and understand the needs of the community. The Enabling
Masterplan 2030 in Singapore is a comprehensive plan that outlines strategies to enhance the
lives of people with disabilities, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Further, Thailand applies the National Policy on Education for Persons with Disabilities,
which emphasizes inclusive education for all students with disabilities, including those with
ASD. The National Health Security Act also provides financial support for individuals with
disabilities, including access to healthcare and rehabilitation services. Thailand promotes
inclusive education to integrate students with ASD into mainstream schools. These schools offer
specialized programs for students with ASD, including individualized learning plans and
therapies. Teachers receive training on supporting students with ASD, including strategies for
inclusive teaching and classroom management.
Regional Initiatives
The ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) is a relatively new initiative, and there is currently
no official, publicly accessible network with that specific name operating within the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Promotes regional cooperation and knowledge sharing on
autism. The ASEAN Autism Mapping Project aims to gather data on autism prevalence, services,
and best practices across member countries. There is a growing movement towards regional
collaboration on autism in the region. Different factors make such regional initiatives successful
