Autism Youth Academy

Empowering Potential, Building Independence.

Autism Youth Academy

Empowering Potential, Building Independence.

Our Story

Autism Youth Academy is committed to delivering specialized, comprehensive programs for teenagers and adults with special needs. Guided by the belief that every individual possesses the capacity to lead a life of independence and dignity, we design our services to nurture each person’s unique strengths, abilities, and aspirations.

Our supportive and compassionate environment empowers participants to develop essential life skills, build confidence, and achieve meaningful personal growth. Through individualized instruction, evidence-informed practices, and a dedicated team of professionals, we strive to create opportunities that promote long-term success, fulfillment, and greater independence.

Why Choose Us?

Personalized, individualized programs.
A caring team of special education professionals.
Focus on practical, real-world life skills.
Empowerment for independence and social integration.

Our Vision

Autism Youth Academy provides a comprehensive program to develop their potential and skills, enabling them to face life's daily challenges with courage and independence to the best of their ability.

Our Mission

Autism Youth Academy strives in nurturing and developing teenagers and adults with special needs by offering individualized programs within a caring which are curated specifically for them by our team of special education professionals.

Our Vision & Mission

Our Team.

We are a purpose-driven academy founded by educators, specialists, and innovators with a shared belief – that every young person on the autism spectrum deserves access to quality, affordable support and opportunities to thrive.

Charmaine Koay
Consultant Behavior Analyst

Charmaine is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Malaysian Certified Behavior Analyst with a Master’s in Mental Health Studies. At Headstart Youth Academy, she supports clinical growth, training, and service development. With 17 years of experience, she’s passionate about empowering others through evidence-based practices.

Aatiqah Maraicar Lead Interventionist

With a psychology background and 3+ years as a behavioural therapist in Melbourne, she has supported children with Down Syndrome, ADHD, and Autism. Skilled in ABA and play therapy, she helps build emotional regulation, communication, and functional skills through family-focused care.

Zarifah Zubir Interventionist

Zarifah, a Counseling graduate from the University of Malaya, specializes in ASD and ADHD in children/teens. She excels in behavior management and implements structured ABA programs through 1:1 and group sessions. She's supported non-verbal and verbal individuals, fostering independence, confidence, and social skills.

Program Available

We empower youths with Autism and Developmental Delays by equipping them with the life skills necessary to be independent in their daily life. It is targeted at individuals within the age group of 15 years onwards to adulthood. The individuals of concern are often those with moderate to severe needs where services and opportunities for integration are limited.

It is targeted at individuals who have received services in intensive settings for a period of time and where these settings are no longer able to comprehensively meet their needs. The premise that an individual needs to be empowered to live independently and integrate is the heart of this curriculum.

While the benefits of intensive settings are documented and widely evidenced in the research literature, the question put forth is one of social significance: Is this achieved when individuals with developmental delays and needs are constrained to intensive settings. The socioeconomic benefits of empowerment and integration are also widely documented: on the family unit, community, nation and the government.