Ch’ng B’ao Zhong (known as Bao) is an autistic adult (diagnosed at the age of 27) and works as a counselor. Bao obtained a Master’s degree in Counseling from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2018 and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science (Psychology) from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) in 2015. Shortly after completing his Master’s studies, Bao applied for a counseling license and received it at the end of 2018.

Bao believes that mental health services are a basic necessity for every human being and should be accessible and affordable to anyone seeking mental health services; they should not only be accessible to the wealthy. Therefore, Bao also serves as a contract counselor working with the Ministry of Education Malaysia.

As an autistic adult diagnosed in adulthood and working in the field of mental health, Bao is aware of the many misconceptions about autistic adults and their ability to work in healthcare. Bao hopes that his declaration of identity as an autistic adult in the mental health field will challenge outdated and obsolete concepts of autism.

Throughout his career as a registered counselor, Bao has a particular interest in autistic adults, perinatal mental health, and trauma. Bao utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Psychodynamic Therapy in his counseling practice.

Bao hopes that his counseling services can create a safe environment where clients feel comfortable and can use it as a platform for personal growth.