Building an organisation around specialised care requires more than clinical knowledge; it calls for the ability to turn individual expertise into consistent, accessible services. Dr Charlene Marie, Founder and CEO of Autism Behavioural Centre (ABC), established the organisation with a vision of providing evidence-based intervention and supporting children on the autism spectrum and their families.
Dr Charlene’s academic background combines psychology and business management. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from HELP University and a Professional Doctorate in Business Management from the European International University–Paris. Her educational foundation, coupled with her leadership vision, has shaped ABC’s approach to developing structured services and building an organisation focused on the needs of children and their families.
ABC’s foundations were laid through home-based therapy, parent consultations and training for low- and middle-income families. Following the development of her own practice, Dr Charlene secured investor support in 2015 to establish a physical centre in Bangsar. ABC was subsequently established in 2016 to provide quality Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), a structured, evidence-based approach to developing functional skills.
ABC’s programmes focus on strengthening communication, managing behaviour, developing social interaction and preparing children for school. For older learners, the centre also emphasises practical life skills that support greater independence in daily activities. Through these services, ABC aims to equip children with functional abilities, encourage independence and support their transition into mainstream education where appropriate. In addition to centre-based programmes, ABC offers home-based services to families located within its operating radius.
The organisation’s growth reflects a commitment to building clinical capacity rather than expanding numbers alone. Its multidisciplinary team includes therapists, clinical supervisors and consultants, supported by operational personnel. Dr Charlene has emphasised professional training, certification, supervision and ethical practice as essential to maintaining service standards.
According to ABC’s 2025 year-end review, the organisation supported 203 families across 27 countries and provided over 1,100 hours of pro bono therapy to B40 and M40 families. The year also marked several milestones, including the introduction of its first ABAT scholarship cohort, opportunities for supervisors to gain international conference exposure, and its inaugural concert featuring 80 children. By the end of the year, ABC’s workforce had grown to more than 100 people.
Recognising that intensive ABA can cost families RM8,000 or more monthly, Dr Charlene launched sister brand Speech Academy in July 2025, focusing on more affordable speech and occupational therapy, with sessions priced at approximately RM100. Her ambitions include expanding Speech Academy to 100 clinics within ten years, extending ABC’s reach across Malaysia and pursuing greater regulatory recognition for ABA to improve access to insurance coverage and financial assistance. These remain ambitions requiring collaboration and policy development, rather than completed outcomes.
For Dr Charlene, the bigger picture is clear: ensuring that children gain more than access to therapy by equipping them with the skills to navigate everyday life with greater independence. By aligning organisational leadership with purposeful expansion, she is working towards a future in which more children can develop essential skills, participate in their communities and lead more fulfilling lives.
