Curtin Malaysia research explores locally driven digital solutions to support communication among autistic adults

Miri, Sarawak – 2 November 2026 – How can digital technology make communication more accessible and meaningful for autistic adults? Researchers from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) are exploring this question through community-engaged research that places the experiences, needs and perspectives of Sarawak’s autistic community at the centre of digital innovation.

As part of this ongoing initiative, the research team recently visited the Kuching Autistic Association (KAA) to engage with autistic adults, parents, educators and caregivers, gaining first-hand insights into communication preferences, accessibility needs and the role of digital technology in everyday interactions.

The engagement, held from 28 September to 2 October 2026, involved structured activities, observations and discussions with community members and stakeholders. The findings will help inform the exploration of accessible and contextually relevant digital approaches to supporting communication among autistic adults.

The study is led by Dr. Noraisikin Sabani from Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, together with co-researchers Dr. Anita Jimmie and Esther Puyang Lihan from the School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE). The interdisciplinary team brings together expertise in education and digital technology to explore communication support approaches that respond to individual needs.

Dr. Noraisikin said the research recognises that autistic individuals have diverse communication preferences and experiences, making it important to develop solutions that are responsive to their specific needs.

“Communication is not experienced in the same way by everyone. Our research seeks to better understand these differences and explore how digital approaches can be made more accessible, meaningful and responsive to individual needs,” she said.

A distinguishing feature of the initiative is its emphasis on locally driven innovation. Rather than simply adapting digital solutions developed elsewhere, the researchers aim to understand how communication support tools can be informed by Sarawak’s cultural contexts, community experiences and everyday practices.

This approach involves working alongside the people who may eventually use such tools, ensuring that their perspectives help shape the research from the outset.

The visit to KAA builds on earlier pilot testing conducted at the Miri Autism Centre (MAC). By engaging with both organisations, the research team hopes to identify communication challenges, understand existing support practices and learn from approaches adopted by autism support organisations in different parts of Sarawak.

These partnerships are central to ensuring that the research reflects real-life communication environments and the experiences of autistic individuals, families and those who support them.
Beyond exploring digital tools, the initiative also aims to generate practical insights that could inform communication support practices among caregivers, educators and autism-related organisations throughout Sarawak.

“Technology alone is not the answer. What matters is understanding the people who may use it, the environments in which they communicate and the support they may need. These perspectives are essential to developing more inclusive solutions,” Dr. Noraisikin added.

The research team will continue analysing insights gathered during the engagement and explore opportunities to refine the project further. Its longer-term ambition is to contribute to more inclusive communication practices and accessible digital innovation that better reflects the needs of autistic adults in Sarawak.

Through this initiative, Curtin Malaysia reinforces its commitment to community-engaged research and locally grounded innovation, demonstrating how collaboration with communities can help turn research into meaningful solutions that address real-world needs.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Curtin Malaysia researchers with representatives of the Kuching Autistic Association.

Curtin Malaysia researchers touring KAA’s facilities.