This study aims to investigate the viability and effectiveness of the Hanen More Than Words (HMTW) programme amongst parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This quassi-experimental study involved 31 children (27 boys, 4 girls; M = 34.58 months, SD = 3.67) who met criteria for ASD and their parents. The measurement was conducted in three phases; Time 1 (prior to intervention), Time 2 and Time 3 (at three and five months after the intervention begins). The outcome measures were assessed based on: (1) changes in parental facilitative strategies; (2) the children's growth in vocabulary and (3) the progress of communication and social skills. The paired t-test were used to analyze the pre and post findings within the intervention and control group with p-value <.01. Results showed that there was an increase in using the facilitative communication strategies by parents in the HMTW group during parent-child interaction. The children showed an increased in vocabulary, communication and social skills. The parents agreed that their mastery of facilitative communication strategies increased and they provided positive feedback about the HMTW approach. The results suggested that the HMTW program could be implemented well by Malaysian parents. The training was supported by Malaysian parents and had measurable effect on both parents and children.

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A computer-based speech training system has been developed for children. The system is able to perform diagnostics and training in Malay language at both syllable and word level. The system allows children with difficulty in articulating plosive sounds to train with the computer to correct their speech articulation problems. Besides that, the system also provides audio and visual feedback to make the children aware of their errors of articulation. Sixteen Malay monosyllables and 16 bisyllabic Malay words are selected as the stimulus items. All these syllables and words have a plosive consonant-vowel structure (CV or CVCV). The system tests showed that it has the potential to be used in schools, homes and speech therapy clinics.