How an Interdisciplinary Approach Accelerates Success in Autism Intervention

Supporting Children Through Collaborative, Evidence-Based Care

In Malaysia, parents of children with autism, developmental delays or additional needs are often introduced to multiple services at once - Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech Therapy (ST), Occupational Therapy (OT), and Early Intervention Programmes (EIP). While access to these services is a positive step, it can also be confusing. Parents frequently ask: "What does each professional actually do? Which service should my child go for? Do we really need all of them?"

An interdisciplinary approach helps answer these questions by shifting the focus away from individual services and toward collaborative, child-centred care.

What is an Interdisciplinary Approach?

An interdisciplinary approach refers to a model where professionals from different disciplines work collaboratively, sharing information, planning goals together, and coordinating strategies to support a child’s development. Rather than working in isolation, team members integrate their expertise to address the child’s needs holistically.

This approach is strongly supported in early intervention and special education research, which shows that coordinated, team-based services lead to better functional outcomes and improved generalisation of skills across settings (Guralnick, 2011; King et al., 2009). Importantly, interdisciplinary work is not about “doing everyone else’s job.” It is about understanding where each discipline’s expertise begins and ends, and how these areas complement one another.

Understanding Each Discipline’s Role (A Common Source of Confusion)

One key factor that makes an interdisciplinary approach effective in intervention is having a clear understanding of each field’s expertise. Without this clarity, parents may feel overwhelmed or unsure about which service to prioritise.

Prioritizing autism intervention services can be overwhelming.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ABA focuses on understanding how learning occurs and how behaviour is influenced by the environment. A core expertise of ABA is the systematic analysis of data to guide decision-making.

ABA practitioners are trained to:

●       Analyse patterns in behaviour and learning using objective data

●       Design and adjust teaching strategies based on progress

●       Increase functional skills (e.g. social, communication, daily living, learning readiness)

●       Reduce behaviours that interfere with learning

●       Support generalisation of skills across settings

By continuously reviewing data, ABA professionals make informed decisions about what strategies to continue, modify, or discontinue, ensuring that intervention remains effective and responsive to the child’s needs (Leaf et al., 2016).

Speech and Language Therapy (ST)

Speech therapists specialise in communication, including:

●       Speech sound production

●       Language skills

●       Oral motor functions

●       Feeding and swallowing (for some children)

ST focuses on what to teach in terms of communication skills, while other team members (such as ABA therapists) may help provide structured practice opportunities.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

OT supports children’s participation in daily activities by addressing:

●       Fine motor and gross motor skills

●       Sensory processing and regulation

●       Self-care skills (e.g. dressing, feeding)

●       Posture, coordination, and endurance

OT helps identify physical, sensory, or motor barriers that may affect a child’s ability to learn or participate meaningfully in daily routines.

Dietitian (Paediatric / Developmental)

A dietitian who specialises in paediatric or developmental needs focuses on a child’s nutrition, feeding, and overall health, particularly when eating challenges affect growth, learning, or daily functioning. This may include:

●       Assessing nutritional adequacy and growth patterns

●       Supporting selective or restrictive eating

●       Managing feeding difficulties linked to sensory sensitivities or motor challenges

●       Advising on special diets when medically indicated

Dietitians play an important role in ensuring that dietary decisions are safe, evidence-based, and appropriate for the child’s medical and developmental profile. They also help families avoid unnecessary or potentially harmful dietary restrictions that are not supported by evidence.

Early Intervention Programmes (EIP)

EIP typically provides a more general developmental framework, often in a classroom or group setting. These programmes aim to support overall development, school readiness, and social participation. However, intensity and individualisation may vary depending on the programme.

“Which One Should I Go For?”

A common question from parents is whether choosing one service is sufficient - part 2 of this article addresses this point. Stay tuned!

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Written by: Esther Cheong (currently reading QBA), Program Coordinator

Edited by: Raja Nishah