Certification issues in Malaysia and why it’s dangerous for parents, children, and the industry.
What it takes to be certified
In the US, they have something called a certification body. This organisation is made up of experts in the industry. And here’s what they do…
They build the requirements and systems to evaluate who and how an individual gets certified.
They also set the limits of the certificate. For example, what exactly can the certificate do for the individual? And what privileges or rights does the individual get?
The ABA case in Malaysia
There is no body of certification for Applied Behaviour Analysis(ABA) therapists. ABA as an option for therapy is fairly new in Malaysia. Around 10 years.
However, it is an established form of therapy in the U.S. since the 60’s. ABA therapy is also listed as an option for early child intervention in the Autism Management List by The Health Ministry of Malaysia(KKM).
It’s not to say there isn’t a body of certification at all in Malaysia. Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy certifications are governed by an official body. Thanks to this, Occupational and Speech therapists can work in public institutions, but not ABA therapists.
Which is odd, since ABA therapy is recognised by KKM.
Why certification matters
Without a proper body governing ABA therapy in Malaysia, unethical cases can happen with zero consequences.
Most therapy centres in Malaysia are founded by business people. This means people outside of the industry with zero expertise in special therapy for children.
Naturally, most therapists are underpaid and not given fair treatment according to their professional expertise. In some cases, F&B employees on a senior level are paid more than an experienced therapist.
Worse, the founders are usually key decision-makers in accepting cases. Some parents are unprofessionally recommended programmes that have little impact on their child.
For example, in one particular case, a boy was suffering from emotional dysregulation. What this means is he would have outbursts of anger. This happened at home and in school.
Instead of going through ABA therapy, which would help him learn ways to manage his emotions– the parents were told by the founder to undergo physical therapy. Physical therapy does not teach children to regulate emotions.
This goes against the therapist’s code of ethics. But they have little say in the matter. In the end, the parents and children suffer. While the credibility of therapists and the industry takes a hit.
But to the founders who treat it like another business, it matters little to them. In some cases, therapists without formal training in ABA are hired as ABA therapists.
The current alternative
For ABA therapists, the only certification available is international.
The Behaviour Analyst Certification Board(BACB) is a common option. Another option is the Qualified Applied Behaviour Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA). Both are in the U.S.
Unfortunately, BACB has stopped offering international certification because of the inability to oversee or regulate ethical cases internationally. Only QABA is left.
The credentials are costly. The lowest level of certification costs RM6,000 – RM8,000. To get to the second level of certification costs over RM10,000.
This financial barrier is why most formally trained ABA therapists in Malaysia practice without certification. Adding on to the fact, the certification does not guarantee a good starting salary.
Starting salaries for ABA therapists are around RM1,800 – RM2,200. Also, most centres do not promise yearly increments for their therapists.
What’s the monthly cost for child development therapy?
This industry is unregulated. This means monthly costs for therapy vary wildly.
It can go from RM400 per month up to RM10,000 per month. In rare cases, it can go up to RM20,000.
Keep in mind, RM400 per month is absurdly cheap and below market price. The average is around the thousands.
Conclusion
I’m not entirely sure what’s the solution to this. I’ve tried digging for information. I know some ABA therapists who got together to build an official governing body for certification. Only to find out that we will need the support of a politician. Which is a can of worms I’d rather stay away from.
The only option I see now is educating Malaysians about ABA therapy, in hopes that parents and their children are taken care of safely.
